Robots Deliver Food to Remote Mining Workers in Australia: The Future of FIFO Life?

Autonomous Delivery Robots Transform Remote Mining Villages

Residents and guests at a remote mining village in Western Australia's Pilbara region are experiencing a new level of convenience with autonomous delivery robots bringing food and essentials directly to their accommodations.

Ottobot will be trialed by Sodexo Australia at Rio Tinto's Gudai-Darri village in Australia. | Credit: Ottonomy

Enhancing the Remote Worker Experience

Rio Tinto partnered with Sodexo Australia to implement this innovative solution at their Gudai-Darri village, located north-east of Newman in the Pilbara region. The goal is to reduce support staff onsite while improving logistics and overhead costs for the mining operation.

Mine employees at this location are categorized as "fly in, fly out" (FIFO) workers who spend extended periods away from home in these remote villages. With the nearest city hundreds of kilometers away, onsite facilities become their only option for meals and supplies.

How the Delivery System Works

Workers can order snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, meals, and other essentials through the My Village app on their phones. Sodexo staff then load the items into the Ottobot's insulated compartment for delivery.

When the robot arrives at the designated location, residents receive a text message with a unique PIN code that allows them to unlock the robot's compartment and collect their orders.

Ottobots can autonomously deliver food and snack orders to residents wherever they are in the village. | Credit: Ottonomy

Technology Behind the Solution

Ottonomy Inc. developed these delivery robots that operate fully autonomously, safely navigating pre-mapped, geo-fenced routes within the village at walking speed. The Ottobot is designed to give right of way to people, vehicles, and other obstacles.

Adrian Lorenzin, senior director for tech, supply, and services at Sodexo Australia, explained: "FIFO workers spend extended periods away from home and work long shifts. Sodexo's focus is on enhancing the hospitality experience for residents so they can enjoy some of the conveniences they would have at home."

Strategic Partnerships and Future Potential

The project builds on Sodexo's autonomous retail store launched in January 2025 at the same location and is delivered in partnership with Ottonomy and key brand partners including Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Mars, and Smiths Chips.

Ritukar Vijay, CEO of Ottonomy, stated: "Our core technology aligns seamlessly with the vision of enabling hyperlocal deliveries, and this marks an exciting beginning for us as we enter the Australian market."

This initiative represents how autonomous robotics are expanding beyond urban environments to serve remote workforces, potentially transforming how companies support employees in isolated locations worldwide.