Starship Technologies recently launched a trial for its self-driving food delivery robots. This fun new initiative is happening in Sunderland, made possible by partnership with online delivery company Just Eat. This new pilot program helps address staffing needs during peak times by including actual customer orders from twelve participating local restaurants. Not only does it make delivery services less punitive in urban environments.
The robots, fitted with sophisticated cameras, drive or walk along the bustling coverage of Sunderland city centre. On board, they glide easily on six chunky rubber wheels. A giant orange flag blinks on and off from a five-story tall pole, warning cars and pedestrians to their approach. It’s a hard contrast to miss when you look at this innovative technology through the lens of more traditional food delivery methods.
Ahti Heinla, founder and chief exec of Starship Technologies, was adamant that these robots are meant to complement human couriers. Most importantly, he underscored that they are not intended to supplant them. “I think there will be more and more both human couriers and delivery robots,” he stated. Heinla was intent on driving the point home that adopting robots doesn’t eliminate jobs. In fact, it will incentivize couriers to focus their deliveries on the outskirts of town, further clogging up our streets. He added, “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.”
Peter Richardson, general manager of the Asian restaurant Koji on High Street West, which has been an active participant in the trial. He pointed to customers’ enthusiastic response to the pilot program, calling the new initiative a success so far. “It was really important, it’s such a unique thing and not something you expect to see,” Richardson said. He highlighted the advantages for small businesses who are having a hard time finding staff to cover busy times. “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,” he added.
Not all feedback has been positive. As vivacious Robertson pointed out, many residents were rightfully worried about the long-term implications of deploying such technology. Alex Marshall, president of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), was unequivocal in his criticism. He even denounced the introduction of robots as “dystopian.” Resident Eugene Murphy agreed on the need for technological advancements but said he didn’t know if these robots were worth it.
Residents, particularly those employed by UP, have voiced worries about lost jobs. They’re equally concerned for liability and risk of vandalism if the project is made permanent. These residents had their concerns. Other Sunderland residents such as Shaun Taylor rejoiced at the trial, pointing to Sunderland’s history of progress alongside new technologies.
Starship Technologies argues that there is a shortage of couriers worldwide. Together, they think their robots can significantly help Americans that are somewhat or totally less mobile or homebound, increasing food delivery access across the community.