Wendy’s Enlists Underground Robots To Deliver Orders For ‘Extra-Fast’ Fast Food
By Alexa Heah, 19 May 2023

Recently, Wendy’s revealed it was embracing artificial intelligence by staffing its drive-thru lanes with chatbots. Now, it’s looking to expand further into the world to autonomous workers, in the form of underground robots that could deliver orders to customers in parking lots.
The fast-food chain will trial a fleet of robots from hyper-logistics company Pipedream. Customers simply have to place their orders via the mobile application and pull up to the Instant Pickup kiosk. Then, the androids will transport the food below the ground right to one’s waiting car.
According to the firm, the system will allow food to be delivered from the kitchen to parking spots “in seconds,” allowing it to better serve customers “with greater ease, speed, and accuracy.” After all, who doesn’t like when their burgers arrive fresh and piping hot?
“We’re thrilled to be the first quick service restaurant to partner with Pipedream, leveraging their unique delivery technology and system with the goal of reinventing digital pick-ups to bring more Wendy’s to more people as quickly and efficiently as possible,” said Senior Vice-President Matt Spessard.
The first Pipedream system is scheduled to be integrated into an existing restaurant later this year. Stay tuned.
[via Gizmodo and Popular Science, cover image via The Wendy’s Company / PR Newswire]