Domino's has introduced a new robotic delivery assistant named 'Domidog' to protect pizzas from aggressive seagulls at UK beaches. The four-legged machine, based on Boston Dynamics' Spot robot, will patrol coastal areas this summer to deter the birds from stealing customers' food.
The initiative follows a survey of 1,500 coastal visitors which found that seagulls are among the top 10 irritations at the seaside. One in three respondents reported having had snacks stolen by the birds, with 61% citing food theft as their biggest annoyance and 50% complaining about hostile behaviour.
Domidog is equipped with sensors, stereo cameras, and 360-degree vision, allowing it to navigate around obstacles independently. While it will not replace human couriers, the robot is designed to accompany deliveries and use its presence to scare off gulls.
Izzy Gardener, a spokesperson for Domino's, said: 'Seagulls have claimed too many seaside snacks, and it's time we did something about it. We're always exploring new and innovative ways to keep your pizza as hot and fresh as possible on its delivery journey.'
The robot has previously been used in search and rescue missions and bomb disposal operations. Domino's is trialling the prototype this summer to offer a tech-driven solution to a long-standing beach problem.
