7-Eleven is piloting robotic deliveries in West Hollywood in partnership with Serve Robotics. This initiative allows customers to receive their orders via autonomous robots when using the 7-eleven app, eliminating the need for tipping.
The robots can carry up to 50 litres, with cupholders to secure drinks and enough space for four pizza boxes. They navigate autonomously through sensors or can be controlled remotely, and customers access their orders via a passcode.
The fee for a robot delivery is $2.99, with the driver tip automatically crossed out. The fee for a deliver via human driver is $2.99 with a recommended $3 tip. Serve Robotics confirmed that the test has been going on for several weeks. The company plans to grow its fleet nationally through partnerships with 7-Eleven and other brands.
Powered by artificial intelligence, the robots are programmed to slow down on rough terrain to ensure spill-free delivery. Each robot has a nickname, like Snack-E and Nomsku.
“You never forget the first time you get your food from a robot. It is one of those defining moments in life like your first kiss,” Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani told the news outlet. Serve Robotics launched in 2017 as a division of Postmates and began testing autonomous delivery the following year. The robots are designed for short-distance deliveries, ranging from one to three miles, and can typically complete deliveries in around 15 minutes. Other retailers that have tested Serve’s robots include Walmart and Pizza Hut. Partnerships with large brands is part of Serve Robotics’ growth strategy.
“Big, established players help give us the demand,” said Chief Revenue Officer Prahar Shah. “They seed the market for us.” Headquartered in Irving, 7-Eleven operates, franchises and/or licenses more than 77,000 stores in 15 countries and regions with the 7-Eleven trademark represented on more than 83,000 stores.
