BellaBot Setup Guide: Everything You Need to Know

The BellaBot by Pudu Robotics is the UK's most popular restaurant delivery robot. Whether you are hiring one through roboTED or have purchased your own, this guide walks through every step from unboxing to first service.

Step 1: Unboxing and Physical Setup

BellaBot arrives securely packaged on a pallet or in a flight case when hired through roboTED. Remove the protective covers, attach the four removable trays, and connect the charging dock to a standard UK mains socket. Position the dock against a wall in a staff area, the robot returns here automatically when its battery runs low. Ensure the charging contacts are clean and the dock is on a flat, stable surface.

Step 2: Venue Mapping

BellaBot uses LiDAR to build a map of your restaurant. Using the Pudu management app on a tablet, walk the robot slowly around your entire floor space including aisles, kitchen entrance, and bar area. The robot scans walls, furniture, and fixed obstacles to create a 2D map. This process takes 10-20 minutes for a typical restaurant. When hiring from roboTED, our technician handles mapping during the setup visit so your map is optimised from day one.

Step 3: Setting Table Positions and Routes

Once the map is created, mark table positions on the digital floor plan. Assign each table a number that matches your POS or floor plan. The robot calculates optimal routes automatically, but you can set preferred paths and no-go zones, useful for keeping the robot away from steps, uneven thresholds, or narrow decorative areas. BellaBot requires a minimum aisle width of 55cm to navigate safely.

Step 4: Loading Trays and Dispatching

Each of BellaBot's four trays holds up to 10kg. Kitchen staff load plates, bowls, or drinks onto the trays, select the destination table on the robot's touchscreen, and press dispatch. BellaBot navigates to the table, announces its arrival with a friendly voice prompt, and waits for guests to unload. Once the trays are cleared, it returns to the kitchen or proceeds to the next delivery in its queue.

Step 5: Staff Training

Training your team typically takes 15-30 minutes. Cover three key areas: dispatching deliveries from the kitchen, handling the robot when it encounters an obstacle it cannot resolve, and using the management app to adjust routes or check battery status. Encourage front-of-house staff to introduce BellaBot to diners, a brief explanation of the robot greatly increases positive interaction and social media sharing.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Robot stops mid-route: Usually caused by a temporary obstacle such as a chair pulled into the aisle. Clear the path and the robot resumes automatically.

Map accuracy drifts: If furniture has been significantly rearranged, re-run the mapping process. Minor changes are handled by BellaBot's real-time obstacle avoidance.

Battery drains quickly: Check that the charging dock contacts are clean and the robot is docking correctly. A full charge provides 8-10 hours of operation.