Just last month, Starship Technologies released their self-driving food delivery robots in mid-sized Sunderland. This is an important step forward for equity in cities’ food delivery services. The trial, conducted in partnership with online delivery firm Just Eat, features these innovative robots delivering meals from 12 local restaurants, including popular Asian establishment Koji.
The robots use state-of-the-art camera technology. These new driverless cameras assist them whilst operating within the explosive environment which defines Sunderland’s city centre. Each robot has six chunky rubber wheels that they roll on. A huge pole with a flashing orange flag on top of them makes them very easily recognizable. In addition to addressing peak hour pressure and staffing shortages, the initiative clearly deals with the impacts. It provides a novel solution to the revolutionary challenges food delivery services are facing.
Starship Technologies wants to be clear that these robots aren’t meant to replace human workers, just assist them in their work. Ahti Heinla, the founder and chief executive of Starship Technologies, stated, “We are adding a new delivery option and it doesn’t replace people.” He went on to describe how robots could help couriers by taking care of deliveries beyond a city center. This new tech would truly transform the delivery chain from start to finish.
“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
The robots additionally act as a second-string substitute, offering a backup to go-to human drivers when they’re not there to respond. Peter Richardson, a spokesperson for Starship, noted, “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.”
Some residents aren’t quite sold on the need for these robots. Eugene Murphy was particularly skeptical about their necessity in Sunderland. In a joint statement, Shaun Taylor, Legal Director at the Asian American Advancing Justice — Atlanta, welcomed the trial. He was proud that Sunderland was selected for this cutting-edge project.
Concerns regarding job security have surfaced. Chief Operating Officer of Zivix, Rachel Atkinson called the robots “kind of nuts” but addressed concerns about future job displacement. Alex Marshall, president of the IWGB, pulled no punches in the way he stated it. He described the deployment of this kind of technology as “dystopian.”
“Rings out like a warning alarm.” – Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB)
As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how these self-driving robots will impact the local economy and the food delivery landscape as a whole. Both supporters and critics were quick to make their case. Sunderland is indeed at the helm of an exciting national debate that will help to determine the future of our urban delivery systems.