If you’re a fan of Shake Shack in Los Angeles, get ready for a futuristic twist on your burger delivery! The popular fast-casual chain has partnered with Serve Robotics to bring you your next meal via autonomous delivery robots, all through the Uber Eats app. Picture this: a small, shopping cart-like robot on wheels cruising down the sidewalk, bringing your delicious order right to your door.
Serve Robotics, originally part of Postmates before being spun off after Uber’s acquisition in 2021, has been making waves in the delivery world. The company went public in April 2024 and counts major names like Nvidia and 7-Eleven as investors. Following the announcement of this partnership, Serve’s stock surged nearly 10%.
These robots have been operating in Los Angeles since 2022, specializing in short-distance deliveries—typically completing trips of about a mile. According to Serve’s CEO, Ali Kashani, these robots are more suited for urban environments than driverless cars. “They help reduce congestion, lower emissions, and minimize accidents,” Kashani explained, adding that they also cut costs for businesses.
And here’s a perk: “There’s no need to tip the robot!” the Shake Shack press release highlighted, making it even more appealing for customers.
The Road Ahead for Robo-Delivery
While investors are excited about this automated approach, challenges remain. Many restaurants and delivery services are heavily investing in automation, from drones to self-driving cars. Uber has previously attempted robot delivery with another partner, Cartken, in Miami and expanded into Virginia, but the concept still faces hurdles.
For instance, Domino’s introduced a pizza delivery robot in 2021 but ultimately relied on human drivers. This illustrates that while automation is promising, it hasn’t completely replaced the need for human workers just yet.
Despite these challenges, Serve Robotics is pushing forward. The company plans to deploy 2,000 robots on the Uber Eats platform by 2025, as noted in their recent earnings report. Currently, they have around 100 robots, with an average of 48 making deliveries daily—up from 23 last year.
However, navigating the busy streets of LA is no small feat. Kashani acknowledged the difficulties posed by crowded sidewalks and the potential for theft. Yet, he proudly stated that Serve’s robots successfully complete over 99% of their deliveries.
Looking ahead, Serve Robotics is eyeing expansion into cities like Dallas, San Diego, and even Vancouver, Canada.
As automation continues to evolve, the partnership between Shake Shack and Serve Robotics represents an exciting step toward a new era of food delivery. With the convenience of robot-powered delivery, customers can look forward to enjoying their favorite meals in a whole new way!
