In a first for the UK, Just Eat has rolled out a trial of robot food delivery in collaboration with tech firm Starship in Sunderland. The project, which features vehicles developed by Estonian-based Starship Technologies, aims to assess the viability of autonomous deliveries in urban environments. Today, the robots are crossing the city’s streets and roads. They’re currently operating with over 35 volunteers and in addition to Koji on High Street West, delivering food from 12 local restaurants.
Equipped with cameras, the robots can maneuver through the busy city center while utilizing six chunky rubber wheels and a prominent flashing orange flag. As you might have guessed from the picture above, this design is meant to warn pedestrians that the robots are coming. Just Eat has released this trial as a way to address the shortage in staff during stressful rush hours. Peter Richardson, general manager of Koji, emphasized the significance of this step.
Richardson expressed optimism about the potential benefits of the robots, stating, “It was really important, it’s such a unique thing and not something you expect to see.” He further emphasized their utility during busy periods: “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.”
Not everyone shares Richardson’s enthusiasm. Alex Marshall, president of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), voiced concerns about the implications for human workers. He referred to it as an indicator of a canary in the coal mine. He claimed that deployment of such robots would lead to job loss in the delivery industry.
Ahti Heinla, founder and chief executive of Starship Technologies, wanted to address these concerns. He stated, “We are adding a new delivery option and it doesn’t replace people.” Heinla imagines a future where rich with both human couriers and delivery robots, as the demand for food delivery skyrockets. He noted, “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.” Heinla pointed to the global shortage of couriers. He claimed that robots are future solutions for people who can’t be as mobile or can’t leave their home.
Local residents are divided on the robots. Rachael Atkinson and her son Teddy called them “dangerous” and “a little nuts,” worrying about their effect on jobs. Committee Chair Eugene Murphy recognized the need for flexibility to adjust to technological advancements but asked if that level of automation is really required.
Shaun Taylor, one of the most active proponents of the initiative within Sunderland community, said he was exceedingly proud that Sunderland took part. He sees the city as “just changing with the times.” The trial is the biggest step yet in placing technology seamlessly into our everyday experience. Besides reducing risks, it opens the door for experimental solutions to food delivery problems.