Autonomous delivery droid developer Refraction AI has announced the deployment of a fleet of 10 food and grocery delivery robots in the South Congress and downtown areas of Austin, Texas. The partnering food companies are yet to be announced.

The robots will navigate bike lanes, and if there are none, they will use the main road to travel. However, the robots will be remotely controlled in addition to being monitored by a person traveling alongside the robot, as required by state law. 

Throughout the program, local regulators will evaluate the progress to determine the need for additional regulations.

Refraction AI develops an autonomous delivery droid called “REV-1,” which can travel in both car and bike lanes and is designed to function in all weather conditions. REV-1 is larger than the robots operating on sidewalks, has more space to carry goods (280 lb.), and travels up to 15 mph. The company is currently conducting pilot programs with a fleet of 25 robots in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in partnerships with restaurants and grocery stores, including Produce Station.