Uber Eats has introduced robot deliveries in Tokyo, initially focusing on a limited area but with plans for wider implementation across Japan. These self-driving vehicles, equipped with sensors for navigation and obstacle avoidance, are part of efforts to address Japan's labor shortage and leverage recent changes in traffic laws permitting delivery robots on public roads.

The robots, featuring square headlight "eyes" and six wheels for maneuverability, travel at speeds of up to 5.4 kilometers per hour (3.4 mph) with safety measures in place, including human operators on standby. While the service is starting small, there are ambitions to extend it to various settings, including high-rise buildings in Tokyo and rural areas where delivery drivers are scarce.

Despite concerns about the impact on existing delivery workers, Uber Eats assures that there will continue to be opportunities for human partners on their platform. The introduction of robot deliveries follows recent strikes and criticism over labor practices in the gig economy, with companies like Uber often accused of exploiting workers by classifying them as independent contractors.

Developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Electric and Cartken, the robots will initially serve select restaurants in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. Customers cannot specifically opt for robot delivery; instead, it may be offered to them for acceptance or rejection. Although there have been some incidents during demonstrations, such as near collisions with pedestrians, the robots have garnered attention for their novelty and efficiency.

Overall, the introduction of robot deliveries is seen as a positive development in Japan, particularly in light of its aging population and workforce challenges.