Autonomous Food Delivery Robots Hit Prague Streets

Foodora has begun a pilot program delivering orders via autonomous robots in Prague 8, marking the first implementation of this technology in the Czech Republic. The initiative is a collaboration with Starship Technologies, a company founded by Skype’s former chief architect, Ahti Heinla, and co-founder, Janus Friis. Heinla currently serves as Starship’s CEO.

The project received preliminary approval from the city district council’s transport committee in September. Councilor Tomáš Slabihoudek (TOP 09) stated that, provided existing regulations are followed, the use of the delivery carts poses no issue.

To ensure pedestrian safety, the Commission stipulated that the robots operate only on sidewalks at least 1.7 meters wide, utilizing predetermined routes and crossings. Legally, these robots are classified as “pedestrians,” allowing their presence on sidewalks. The robots function at Level 4 autonomy, meaning they navigate independently but remain under the constant supervision of a human operator who can intervene if needed.

Local police have already observed the robots in operation. According to spokeswoman Irena Seifertová, officers witnessed a Foodora robotic delivery in Karlín accompanied by a person, likely during testing.

Following a successful rollout in Sweden, this marks the first introduction of Foodora’s robotic delivery system to Central Europe. “We are the first in the Czech Republic to involve autonomous robots in delivery,” said Adam Kolesa, head of Czech Foodora, adding that the partnership with starship Technologies will provide customers with a more environmentally pleasant delivery option.

image of a police officer observing a foodora delivery robot in Prague