Japan's 7-Eleven convenience-store chain plans to test self-driving robot delivery carts on public roads in Tokyo. The service is aimed at the elderly and other customers unable to visit stores.

Parent company Seven & i Holdings is waiting for police approval to start test runs this month at two stores in western Tokyo.

The carts travel at about 6 kilometers an hour and use sensors to navigate and detect traffic lights.

Customers use a smartphone app to open the cart when it arrives.

The company says it will monitor customer feedback to the service and then decide on using the robots in other areas.
Nagao Hiroyuki, a manager at Seven-Eleven Japan, said, "We want to offer convenient, attractive services for customers who find it difficult to go shopping."

Seven & i plans to expand delivery services nationwide in the spring of 2025.

This push is part of the retail giant's focus on its convenience stores to help fend off a takeover bid by a Canadian rival.