Shenzhen Airport has launched a robot food delivery service, allowing travelers to order meals and wait for them at their departure gates.

The first-of-its-kind in China, the service is jointly offered by Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and dining, retail and delivery platform Meituan.

Through the Meituan app, passengers can place orders at 11 restaurants and shops located throughout the airport, including Starbucks, Heytea, KFC, Burger King, 7-Eleven, and snack chain Bestore.

The delivery task is carried out by “Bumblebee (小黄蜂)” robots, which can autonomously plan their routes, use elevators, and pass through access control gates.

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Liu, one of the first customers to use the service, ordered a drink from Heytea because its outlet was not located near her departure gate. “I placed an order through the app after I completed the security clearance. I waited for a while at the gate and the robot arrived with my milk tea,” she said. “It is very cute. When it reached the departure gate, it even called out: ‘come get your delivery’.”

The launch of the smart food delivery service not only provides travelers with a more efficient and convenient experience but also sets a benchmark for the company's cooperation with other transportation hubs, said a Meituan spokesperson.

“We look forward to continuously expanding the food delivery service ecosystem, allowing more users to enjoy more comforting and attentive life services — whether at home, in the office, or during travel,” added the spokesperson.

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This article is translated by China Daily from the original report in Chinese as published on a WeChat public account of Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport.