A little white robot on wheels sparked confusion on Wednesday (March 1) after it was seen driving itself around the streets of Sale.
The small device, which was pictured along The Avenue and Sidmouth Road, left passers by having to 'look twice' as it confidently wheeled its own way down the pavement.
The white 'Starship delivery robots', which offer a 'meal on six wheels' are autonomous devices that can carry groceries, hot food or parcels, over short distances before delivering them at a specified address.
The robot food and grocery delivery is being tested currently in Trafford. The local council outlined a trial will be operating in and around an area to the west of the A56, including in Broadheath, West Timperley, Sale West and Ashton upon Mersey, for a period of three months from March 15.
Videos and pictures were posted to a Sale Facebook group on Wednesday of the tests being carried out. One person said they had to 'look twice' as they became confused.
Val Newton, who captured a small clip of the robot on The Avenue, said: "I'd seen them lined up near the Co-op on Coppice Avenue and I'd heard they were trialling them, so I had an idea what it was, but it was the first one I'd actually seen in operation.
"It made me laugh when it waited patiently to cross the road. It had come off the pavement at one point, but then got back on"
Beneath the pictures on social media, one person said: "One went past me today it was very strange," as another posted: "I’ve just passed it on the Avenue, had to look twice, didn’t know what it was."
Another wrote: "Lol can’t wait to watch it trying to dodge the wheelie bins" as a fourth person said: "Just seen one on Moss Way and school kids were trying to guide it into oncoming traffic!!!"
The Mirror previously reported that the Co-op had been working with the company to develop the small robots, with delivery fees typically costing between 99p and £1.99. The robots use a number of sensors and 12 cameras to enable them to navigate. They travel at walking speed, around 4mph, with their advanced technology even enabling them to manoeuvre around objects and people.
As the robots complete their deliveries, they are able to sound a loud alarm if someone attempts to tamper with or pick them up. Each robot is also GPS tracked to the nearest inch, whilst the lid is also locked throughout the delivery journey, only able to be unlocked by the customer at the delivery destination, who can track the robot on their phone.
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