DUBLIN, OHIO — The Wendy’s Co. is partnering with Pipedream to pilot a new, underground, autonomous robotic delivery system.

“At Wendy’s, we are consistently innovating to meet our customers however they choose to engage with us,” said Matt Spessard, Wendy’s senior vice president and global chief technology officer. “As mobile ordering preferences increase, 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." 

Through the innovative Instant Pickup delivery system, customers would be able to order food straight to their car door. An Instant Pickup portal positioned on the driver’s side of the parking spot would call on autonomous robots to transport the food from the kitchen to the portal.

The pilot delivery system works to improve customers’ experience by added convenience and quicker delivery times.

“We know that serving orders quickly and accurately leads to increased customer satisfaction,” said Deepak Ajmani, Wendy’s US chief operations officer. “Pipedream's Instant Pickup system has the potential to unlock greater mobile order speed of service and accuracy, enabling us to consistently deliver hot and fresh Wendy’s products to our fans.”

Wendy’s said it plans to integrate Pipedream’s Instant Pickup system into an existing restaurant later this year.