ROBOTS ON THE MOVE - MIAMI'S NEW ERA OF ROBOT DELIVERY

By Litzy Grijalba

Miami has joined the growing list of cities using food delivery robots, bringing futuristic technology to local streets. The city’s sidewalks are now home to small,

autonomous machines delivering meals for Uber Eats, a move highlighting how innovation continues to reshape everyday conveniences.

The new program is powered by a partnership between Uber Eats and Serve Robotics, a California-based company specializing in autonomous sidewalk delivery.

With this launch, Miami joins cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco in testing automated food delivery. For both residents and students, the project offers a

mix of curiosity and convenience.

The Serve robots, which began operating in Miami Beach and Brickell, are fully electric and designed to safely share sidewalks with pedestrians. Traveling up to

11 miles per hour, each robot can carry the equivalent of four large pizzas in a temperature-controlled compartment. Equipped with cameras, sensors and GPS

technology, they can detect obstacles, crosswalks, and pedestrians while traveling through crowded areas.

Photo Credit to Wikimedia Commons

Supporters say the initiative could improve efficiency and sustainability. Serve Robotics uses electric-powered robots for short-distance deliveries to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The effort aligns with a broader push to make “last-mile” delivery more eco-friendly and cost-effective in urban areas.

Still, challenges remain. Miami’s crowded sidewalks raise safety and accessibility concerns, especially for people with disabilities or those using strollers. Areas that restrict motorized devices may need new rules to balance innovation with pedestrian safety.

Photo Credit to Pexels

Automation has also sparked debate about its effect on delivery drivers. Critics fear job losses, while company leaders argue robots could boost order volumes

by making deliveries faster and cheaper, potentially increasing overall demand for human drivers in the short term.

At Barry University, where students often rely on quick food delivery between classes or during late-night study sessions, the technology has drawn strong interest. For many, the idea of a robot bringing meals across campus represents both convenience and curiosity about the future of automation.

A recent campus survey found that over 73% of students said they would use a food delivery robot if available near Barry, while 14.1% said they would not, and 12.5% were unsure. Many cited faster service, late-night availability, and safety as key advantages. Environmental impact was another factor. 64.1% said the robots could help reduce traffic and carbon emissions in Miami, compared with 18.8% who disagreed and 17.2% who were unsure.

When asked about comfort levels with robots in daily life, 43.8% felt neutral, 39.1% comfortable, and 17.2% uncomfortable. Meanwhile, 68.8% said Barry University should consider partnering with a robot delivery service for on-campus use, viewing it as a modern convenience.

Robot delivery could make everyday life more convenient for Barry students, especially those living in dorms or without access to a car, by providing quick and

affordable access to off-campus dining options. The technology could also save time for busy students balancing classes, work, and extracurriculars, allowing them to have meals delivered safely and efficiently without leaving campus. Overall, the results suggest that while some students remain cautious, most see delivery robots as a welcome step toward a more efficient and environmentally friendly future.

Photo Credit to Pexels

For now, the robots’ presence in Miami offers both novelty and practicality. Fully electric and camera-equipped, they glide along sidewalks delivering meals to residents, office workers and students alike.

As Miami continues embracing technology in daily life, the city must balance progress with safety and accessibility. Whether delivering lunch to a high-rise, snacks

to a dorm, or dinner to a study lounge, these small machines are redefining what convenience looks like in a modern city.