By David Reevely
In Ottawa, the latest iteration of Real Life Robotics’ delivery robot—affectionately known as Bubs—made its debut on November 28, 2024, drawing curious stares and smiles from locals, including a group of daycare children on a crisp fall day. As the kids marveled at the machine from across the street, it quickly became clear that Bubs was designed not just to deliver goods, but to help small businesses compete against retail giants.
A New Approach to Delivery
Real Life Robotics is taking a more deliberate and collaborative approach compared to earlier, hastily arranged trials during the pandemic. The company aims to support local mom-and-pop shops and restaurants by offering “robots as a service.” Instead of the high commissions charged by platforms like Uber Eats or SkipTheDishes, local businesses would pay a fixed monthly fee to access a shared fleet of delivery bots from a nearby depot. According to Sharif Virani, the head of growth at Real Life Robotics, this model is intended to give small retailers a fighting chance in an era where many are closing down due to fierce competition from large corporations.
How Bubs Works
Bubs is essentially an insulated container on wheels, about the size of two laundry baskets, and sporting a friendly, cartoonish face that easily catches the eye. During its Ottawa demonstration, Virani personally controlled the robot using a sophisticated remote, keeping it at a safe, measured pace along the sidewalk. Although Bubs has built-in cameras and sensors that allow for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, a person currently oversees several robots remotely—steering only when necessary. This operational design addresses one of the major challenges faced by traditional delivery services: the increasing difficulty and cost of finding reliable human labor amid rising minimum wages and tighter restrictions on temporary workers.
A Measured, Community-Friendly Rollout
Unlike other companies that have previously introduced delivery robots in Canadian cities without proper regulatory coordination—often leading to abrupt shutdowns—Real Life Robotics is carefully engaging with local officials to ensure a smooth integration. For instance, local Ottawa city councillor Jeff Leiper expressed cautious optimism after a brief conversation with Virani, noting that while the idea of additional moving objects on busy sidewalks raises questions, the potential benefits for local businesses present a compelling trade-off.
Real Life Robotics plans to expand its trials further. While the current demo model, Bubs, has limitations such as needing to be recharged via an external plug and difficulty executing tight turns, newer models with contact charging and enhanced maneuverability are scheduled to begin trials in a designated transportation zone in Markham, Ontario, this January.
Beyond Deliveries: Multifunctional Sensors
In addition to delivering goods, the sensors on Bubs can monitor environmental factors like air quality, light levels, and even detect illegally parked vehicles. This dual functionality not only boosts the robot’s utility but also helps secure municipal support by demonstrating tangible public benefits beyond simple delivery services.
Building for the Future
Backed by a $242,000 grant from the Canadian Food Innovation Network and investments from RHA Ventures, Real Life Robotics currently employs around 10 people spread across Waterloo, Toronto, and Ottawa. Virani emphasizes that transparent, real-world testing—what he calls “building in public”—is essential for refining the technology and ensuring it meets community needs. “You have to be ready for anything, work at all hours, and celebrate the wins,” he said, underscoring the relentless drive behind the company’s mission to rejuvenate main streets across Canada.
By leveraging innovative robotics to tackle both delivery challenges and labor shortages, Real Life Robotics hopes to not only transform how local businesses operate but also to safeguard the vibrant, community-focused character of Canada’s main streets.
