Just Eat’s robots have been brought out of beta, with active testing occurring in Sunderland. They’re completing actual paid orders from twelve partner restaurants, like Koji, an Asian fusion joint on High Street West. This new statewide effort is focused on improving efficiency of delivery to help during peak times and staff shortages. Estonian-based Starship Technologies created these six-wheeled robots using state-of-the-art navigation technology. Unlike other such vehicles, they are made to fit into the city’s existing delivery infrastructure.
The robots glide effortlessly over dirt roads on six thick rubber wheels. A big pole with a big flashing orange flag on top of each makes them super easy to see! In addition, they are outfitted with computer vision capabilities with onboard cameras providing navigation through the bustling streets and highways of Sunderland’s city centre. These pilot reports show that the trial was met with enthusiasm. This success is evident to the businesses, nonprofits, and local governments that have started participating.
Ahti Heinla, founder and chief executive of Starship Technologies, emphasizes that the robots are not intended to replace human jobs. Rather, they are a complement and unique resource to reduce the pressures and stresses that couriers face. Heinla stated, “We are adding a new delivery option and it doesn’t replace people.” Looking ahead, he noted the growing demand for delivery services. The robots are poised to be a major part of the solution to this need.
“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
Peter Richardson, the general manager of Koji, commended the creativity. He described it as “one of the coolest things” that people don’t usually think to expect in a community. He highlighted how the robots could serve as a reliable backup during unexpected staff shortages: “If one day something did go wrong and drivers went, there you’ve got that back-up, so you can still get that food out.”
Most residents welcomed the trial, excited it was a step towards modernizing their community. Critics have worried about the loss of jobs and potential for vandalism if the project becomes permanent. Local resident Shaun Taylor was optimistic about the local initiative, saying that Sunderland is “just moving with the times.”
According to Starship Technologies, no other courier can meet demand due to a global shortage of couriers. They feel like their little robots can really serve the population that’s less mobile or can’t get out of home. However this trial plays out, we’re excited about the promise of automated delivery systems to complement human-driven delivery modes. These innovations have the potential to significantly change the future of food delivery business in cities.