A robot capable of temperature-controlled food delivery is being developed by a team of researchers from Australia’s Monash University.
According to its developers, the robot dubbed "Ari" features separate compartments that can keep food hot or cold — reportedly a world-first functionality in robotic food delivery technology.
Source: Monash University
Ari, which resembles a high-tech cooler, stands a meter wide and tall and is expected to soon be delivering on-demand food, powered by a network of advanced sensors for wide coverage.
Ari features four lockable roller doors and a larger load capacity than similar models, and has been designed to deliver in high-traffic areas like shopping centers, campuses, festivals and medical or industrial sites.
Its developers noted that Ari safely travels urban landscapes at 6 km/h. Future iterations of the robot will likely include heating and cooling technology, autonomous charging, on-demand delivery and interchangeable compartments that allows for the transport of products that range from tools or hardware, to pharmaceuticals and food.
"Imagine wanting a coffee but not wanting to walk across campus or across large events. With this robot, you could order on your phone and it'll bring it to you. This robot we've invented from scratch has brought us a step closer to the future of on-demand food delivery in Australia. Its incredibly low cost and scalable design makes it a realistic solution in the use of highly advanced technology that could transform how restaurants, grocery stores, and local businesses deliver food and other items."
For more on Ari, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Monash University
