Autonomous delivery robots – The future of home deliveries?

Mike December 5, 2022 0
5 autonomous delivery robots queuing in a line waiting to cross a road.

Starship Technologies, in partnership with the Co-op and with the full cooperation of the local councils, have recently begun deliveries in multiple cities in the UK, Cambridge & Leeds to name two, using their fully autonomous delivery robots.

 

In the above photo from Twitter user Naomi Davies, 5 of the robots can be seen queuing to cross a road. Naomi said the lights changed 3 times before one of the robots safely crossed.

 

According to a spokesperson at Starship Technologies, “The robots make more than 140,000 road crossings every day around the world, nearly one every three seconds, using a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to safely navigate.

 

“Most of these crossings are done autonomously, but on the rare occasion assistance is required, the robots can be monitored remotely.”

 

Also, the robots are capable of asking for help. For example, if they need the button pressing on the crossing. However, in some countries, the robots can communicate directly with traffic lights eliminating the need to press a button.

 

The below Twitter user Bhav @bvirdee_twt, recorded one of the little fellas waiting to cross a zebra crossing. If you click on the conversation you’ll see the little guy safely crossing.

 

There are loads of videos online where people are excited to meet the robots out in the wild & are overjoyed when the robot delivers their shopping.

 

Unfortunately, my area isn’t one of the test locations otherwise I’d definitely use the service. 

 

The robot reminds me of a BigTrak toy from the 1980s.

1980's BigTrak Toy

 

I used to spend hours programming the BigTrak using the pad at the back to move it around the house. I’m fairly sure it’s still in my parent’s attic, I might try and dig it out over Christmas & see if it still works.

Obviously, locations are being carefully chosen for these tests. Sadly in the wrong areas, these useful robots would be targets for vandals, thieves, and degenerates.

 

Also, consideration needs to be given to the jobs these robots could replace. Basically, the gig economy could end with autonomous robots & cars. Personally, I believe the economy would pivot elsewhere, maybe to retail, hospitality, or health where the personal element is required.

 

I look forward to seeing these kinda cute little robots being rolled out nationwide in the not to distance future, although I do think Starship Technologies are missing a trick by not giving them human names.

 

Steven, your delivery bot is on its way.

 

Take Care

Mike

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