DRU Surprises Customers
DRU, which was built by Marathon Robotics and partnered with Domino's, delivered it's first pizza to some lucky residents in Brisbane, Australia (the video below shows this). DRU (Domino's Robotic Unit) can traverse 12 miles and back at a speed of 12.4 mph before needing a recharge. A technology called LIDAR, the same technology used in self-driving cars, allows DRU to detect and avoid obstacles.
DRU can fit 10 pizza's and also has a compartment for cold drinks. However, this is the first prototype and according to Domino's DRU still has a least 2 years of testing before it can be released as a service. Domino describes DRU as part of the Domino's family and even joke about the robot looking different than your typical pizza delivery human.
A necessary feature of DRU is to not only deliver the pizza in a timely manner but to identify and interact with customers. The autonomous delivery robot has onboard sensors that enable it to understand objects throughout its journey of delivering you warm pizza.
Dominos did not release when exactly DRU will be a full-time employee, but promises it to be soon! Until then, the techchat team will keep you posted with any new news.
