CHARLOTTE — Starting next week, robots will be delivering food and coffee in Charlotte.
They are all named Geoffrey and people will find them around the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, beginning Monday.
“There are many people, whether they are working in businesses or at home working, that don’t have the time to come and buy coffee. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with the coffee shop and these robots,” said Todd Huber with Undercurrent Coffee.
The Canadian robotics company Tiny Mile created the robots.
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The robots, which are equipped with a 360-degree camera and safety sensors, are controlled by remote workers who are able to watch where the robots are going.
“Geoffrey is just like I said, he’s your modern-day friendly postman in pink. It’s just the next iteration of kind of that delivery guy, and there’s a human face behind it,” said Sharif Virani with Tiny Mile.
The robots can operate in the rain and even in up to a little more than two inches of snow.
“We look forward to empowering the restaurants and retail businesses of Charlotte with our low-impact and affordable neighborhood delivery,” said Omar Elawi with Tiny Mile.
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Tiny Mile promises they are friendly robots.
Those within a one-mile radius of Plaza Midwood who want food or coffee delivered by Geoffrey can plan an order through the Odeko app.
The company plans to add more restaurants through the two-month trial period.
“In Charlotte, we are embracing new technologies and welcoming the future of innovation with open arms,” said city council member Malcolm Graham, chair of the city’s Economic Development Committee. “The pilot project will put this concept to the test and determine if it should be expanded to other areas of the city.”
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