Prague has entered a new stage of urban delivery services as Foodora. has started testing autonomous delivery robots in the capital.

Instead of launching citywide, the company chose the Karlín district as its trial zone. The machines operate within a two-kilometer area around the McDonald’s branch on Thámova Street, where they pick up meals and bring them directly to customers.

City officials approved the pilot earlier this year. Prague 8 councilor Martin Štěrba said the robots are programmed to behave as carefully as pedestrians.

Their onboard system — a combination of sensors and twelve cameras — continuously scans the surroundings. The machines are able to detect people, bicycles, prams, wheelchairs, and traffic. When the robot encounters a situation it cannot classify, it immediately connects to a remote operator.

Because Czech legislation groups these robots under the category of pedestrians, their use on sidewalks is permitted. They stick to marked footpaths and cross the street only with a green signal. Top speed is capped at 8 km/h, similar to a brisk walk, though most trips are slower.

Each unit offers a 360-degree view and can manage small curbs, rain, and snow. According to Starship Technologies, the manufacturer, robots worldwide complete millions of deliveries every year and cross more than 125,000 pedestrian crossings daily.

The handoff process is intentionally simple. When the robot arrives, the customer confirms their presence through the Foodora app. The compartment unlocks automatically and closes again once the order is removed.

Foodora stresses that the machines are not intended to replace couriers. Company spokesperson Richard Drbák said robots are meant to support the workforce by taking over short, uncomplicated routes. Couriers will continue handling longer distances, higher volumes, and more complex orders.

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If the Karlín trial proves safe and reliable, Foodora plans to expand the system to additional Prague neighborhoods.

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