Sunderland’s small size has made it the perfect testing ground for a new initiative that could drastically improve the food delivery industry. Starship Technologies has developed advanced self-driving food delivery robots. As this pilot continues, they are actively testing these robots in partnership with the online food delivery service Just Eat. This new pilot program includes Koji, a twelve-location Asian restaurant chain that spans across the city of Columbus and includes an outlet on High Street West.
The robots, designed with six chunky rubber wheels and a distinctive flashing orange flag atop a tall pole, navigate the bustling streets of Sunderland autonomously. Utilizing high-tech cameras, they’re able to traverse busy downtown streets and drop-off food right in front of customers. Starship Technologies emphasizes that these robots are focused on assisting those who are “less mobile” or otherwise unable to leave their homes. They were never intended to supplant human labor.
Peter Richardson, general manager of Koji, said the trial received a civil response from customers and restaurant employees. He envisions that having these robots on-site would make it easier to staff locations during peak hours.
“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,” – Peter Richardson
These robots are not seen favorably by all residents. Many, such as former US DOT Secretary Rachael Atkinson, have raised alarms that automation will displace parcel delivery workers. EU Parliamentarian Eugene Murphy questioned the need for such technology. At the same time, he acknowledged that we need to keep pace with today’s innovations.
Ahti Heinla, the founder and CEO of Starship Technologies, addressed those worries right away. He reassuringly declared that the robots won’t put humans out of business, instead they’ll serve as a new and useful tool to supplement deliveries.
“We are adding a new delivery option and it doesn’t replace people,” – Ahti Heinla
Heinla said robots are essential in meeting increased demand for food deliveries. There are some routes where a human touch will continue to be necessary. He still sees a long future ahead for human couriers in the industry, but delivery robots would be a welcome addition.
“I think there will be more and more both human couriers and delivery robots,” – Ahti Heinla
Throughout the trial period, the robots will be easily spotted walking through important areas as Keel Square in Sunderland. Residents similar to Shaun Taylor were extremely optimistic concerning the trial, saying that Sunderland is currently “just keeping up with the times.”
With the Just Eat and Starship Technologies partnership, Britain takes another giant leap toward tech-infused everyday convenience. Depending on the outcome of this trial, this move could pave the way for similar initiatives to propel forward in other cities across the UK.