Autonomous delivery robots are already being trialed in Sunderland to help in busy periods and staff shortages, for example. Estonian-based Starship Technologies built these robots to deliver food from twelve of the area’s local restaurants. Outfitted with cutting-edge technology, the robots cruise down bustling urban streets, and so far, customers eating off of Koji’s menu, an Asian-focused eatery, have loved the robots.
The robots feature six robust rubber wheels and a prominent pole topped with a flashing orange flag, alerting pedestrians to their presence. This new collaborative model of delivery is especially impactful and necessary amid an increasingly difficult staffing landscape for businesses, especially during peak hours.
Local resident and robotics-curious Rachael Atkinson shared her concerns about the arrival of these robot couriers. Teddy didn’t blame them, though, saying the robots were “a little nuts.” At the same time, Atkinson fretted over a disproportionate number of jobs they might jeopardize. She raised her concerns about how automation would affect workers in the region.
At the same time, local entrepreneur Peter Richardson described the significance of the trial. He added that these robots are a promising solution to the staffing woes of independent businesses that many of them are experiencing.
“It’s not taking away from the human side, because there’s always the option, but if you think about Christmas, New Year, Ramadan, then you’ve got things where the robots can take over when people want time off.” – Peter Richardson
Most Translators, like Cincinnati residents, are thrilled by the prospect of robots. Others are concerned about the lasting impact on employment and fear vandalism would occur should the project ever become a permanent installation. Urbanist, writer, and transport critic Alex Marshall warned that the vehicles could be “dystopian.”
Starship Technologies recently doubled down on this initiative, claiming that there are “just not enough couriers on the planet.” The company recently shared that their robots had successfully delivered all of these essential services. Their goal is to reach people who are more mobile or are homebound. This sentiment was echoed by Ahti Heinla, founder and CEO of Koji. While robots will be crucial in fulfilling the increasing demand, he confirmed that on-demand human couriers will be necessary on many routes.
“Robots have a key role to play in the delivery of infrastructure to help meet the growing demand and certain routes will still require people to complete deliveries.” – Ahti Heinla
While the trial goes on, local businesses and residents are still measuring the impact of these robots on their community. Though many tout these technologies as a miracle fix to the nation’s staffing problems, critics are not convinced of their positive, long-term outcomes.