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Miami-based startup REEF Technology and robotics startup Cartken, jointly announced recently the arrival of self-driving delivery robots in Miami. The autonomous robots will offer safe, reliable and sustainable ways for Miamian’s to receive goods from REEF’s network of restaurant and retail partners.
REEF, the largest operator of parking lots and neighborhood hubs in North America, officially launched its first robot delivery service in Miami’s Downtown core using Cartken’s much-anticipated autonomous robots. After a successful pilot launch, the brand’s electric-powered robots now are delivering dinner orders from Reef’s network of delivery-only kitchens to recipients located within a three-quarter-mile radius in Downtown Miami. REEF will be rolling out more Cartken robots in additional locations and neighborhoods within the next few weeks.
The robots will help REEF’s local restaurant and retail partners address the increased demand for delivery by leveraging zero-emission, contactless, last-mile automation technology. The robots were designed to make short-distance deliveries of small orders more efficient, all while helping to reduce road congestion and pollution. Long term, REEF and Cartken expect many new jobs to be created surrounding the maintenance and technology of the robots.
“Delivery continues to be the driving force behind supporting many of our beloved restaurants while staying safe during this pandemic. However, the rising demand for delivery has created a bottleneck during peak dining hours that slows efficiency,” said Matt Lindenberger, chief technology officer at REEF.
“We’re looking at our robot delivery service as a long-term solution that can advance the delivery ecosystem by offering speed, quality and scale while reducing congestion and carbon emission,” Lindenberger added.
“We’re thrilled to be operating in Miami. It’s clearly a city where innovation finds an enthusiastic and supportive home,” said Anjali Naik, co-founder and COO at Cartken.
“REEF has been an exceptional partner in the launch of Cartken’s robots in Miami. They’re a rapidly growing company with a team that understands the implementation of technology at scale. We’re excited to grow with them as they expand the offering to more cities,” Naik added.
“We’re proud to be ground zero for this type of exciting and forward-thinking innovation that will help reduce congestion and carbon emissions — not just in Miami, but cities around the world,” said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
Consumers who order from a REEF partner brand using either Postmates, UberEats, DoorDash, or GrubHub may be prompted with the option of a robot delivery. When the robot arrives at a house or apartment building, it waits outside and sends a text message alerting the customer that the delivery has arrived, typically within 30 minutes or less.
While it makes its delivery, the robot’s compartment is locked so that no one but the recipient can access the food.
The robots’ sophisticated mix of sensors and cameras help them navigate through busy sidewalks and street crosswalks as well as over steps and curbs.
The robots will be delivering orders from REEF’s Miami partner brands, including Della Bowls, Krispy Rice, Genuine Burger, Fuku, Mamma Parmigiana, BurgerFi, Michy B’s, Van Leeuwen, Sam’s Crispy Chicken, and more.
For more information visit www.reeftechnlogy.com/kitchens or say hello at @NBRHDKitchens.
