Avride has launched autonomous robot deliveries through Uber Eats in Philadelphia. The deployment marks the city’s first delivery robot service. It also extends a multiyear partnership between Avride and Uber to scale robot delivery and autonomous vehicles across the United States.
Highlights
- Philadelphia becomes Avride’s fourth Uber Eats robot delivery market, joining Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City.
- Robots operate in a one- to two-mile radius at up to five miles per hour with a 12-hour battery life.
- The service runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. across Center City, with plans to expand coverage.
- Customers track deliveries in real time through the Uber Eats app and unlock the robot’s hatch on arrival.
How the Service Works
Customers ordering from participating restaurants can choose robot delivery at checkout. If a robot is available, Uber Eats dispatches it to complete the order. Customers then track the robot’s location in real time through the app.
On arrival, the customer receives a notification. They tap “unlock” in the app to open the hatch and collect the meal. The robot waits up to 10 minutes for retrieval.
No tipping is required for robot deliveries. Customers can rate the experience through the Uber Eats app.
Built for East Coast Weather
Avride’s robots are designed for real-world urban conditions. They operate in rain, snow, and sub-freezing temperatures. The chassis provides traction on wet and slippery surfaces. A sensor suite maintains stable navigation and visibility in poor weather.
“With its dynamic food scene, we’re thrilled to introduce autonomous delivery robots in Philadelphia with Avride — creating an exciting new way for customers to order from their favorite local spots. We look forward to introducing this cutting-edge technology to more Uber Eats customers over time in close collaboration with the Philadelphia community,” said Aaron Emrich, Head of Autonomous Delivery at Uber.
Expanding Footprint
Avride’s delivery robots already operate via Uber Eats in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City. The company also launched autonomous rides in Dallas in December 2025. That expansion broadened the Uber partnership beyond food delivery into mobility services.
The Philadelphia launch covers Center City initially. Avride plans to widen the operating territory over time.
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