A new scheme to deliver groceries by robot has been hit by a glitch, with a video emerging of one 'lost' robot getting stuck at a kerb.
The robots have become a familiar site in suburban Sale after the scheme was launched on Wednesday by Co-op in conjunction with Trafford Council and robot manufacturer Starship.
But the scheme has been hit by teething problem. Video has emerged of one of the robots appearing to get 'lost' and then becoming stuck as it tried to negotiate a high kerb on Friday night.
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A spokesperson for Starship Technologies, which operates around the world, stressed their robots, which use 'artificial intelligence', were still 'getting to know the neighbourhood'.
Call centre worker Danielle Dennis, 24, sent the M.E.N. a video of one of the robots appearing to get into trouble on Ascot Avenue in Sale on Friday night.
Her video shows the robot struggling to mount a pavement, effectively getting stuck.
She said: "We were watching it for about five minutes before the video started and it looked like it was lost. It just kept turning around. It moved the length of about five houses in that time."
Asked about the moment it got stuck at the kerb, Danielle said: "I was going to get out and help it at first but I didn't want to set off any alarms. It was just stuck against the kerb.
"You can probably hear in the video we were laughing at first because of the situation, but it's a bit of a concern going forward if its not smart enough to detect a kerb or get over it. I don't believe it's going to work. It's only been going a few days. I don't really have much confidence in it to be honest."
Danielle questioned whether the intended customer actually got their groceries at all.
Trafford Council, although it is involved, is not providing any funds for the scheme.
But Starship Technologies said the robots could be operated remotely if they got into difficulties.
A spokesperson told the M.E.N: "Our robots have just launched in Trafford and they’re busy getting to know the neighbourhood. Of course a new area always requires adjustments as they find their way, and they learn with every journey.
"Our robots make more than 140,000 road crossings every day around the world, nearly one every three seconds, using a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to safely navigate.
"Most of these crossings are done autonomously, but on the rare occasion assistance is required, the robots can be monitored remotely. We’ve been absolutely delighted by the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received from the local community since starting operations in Greater Manchester. "
The box-shaped robots were first spotted on the streets of Sale following the official launch on Wednesday, March 15.
The scheme is a partnership between Starship, Trafford Council and the Co-op. Up to 24,000 residents currently have access to the service with two Sale Co-op shops currently involved, Washway Road and Coppice Avenue.
The orders are made through an app before being stocked into the robot and delivered to properties. The groceries are securely locked inside the robot which has a 'robust' security system before travelling on pavements to their destination.
Launching the scheme on Wednesday, Coun Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s executive member for environmental services, said: "The robots are a lot of fun and it will be great to see them taking to the streets of the borough. But there is a more serious message here - Trafford Council is totally committed to helping the environment and reducing our carbon emissions and the electric robots could well contribute towards those aims.
"So, instead of driving to the Co-ops involved in the scheme, why not leave the car at home and have your groceries delivered by a friendly robot?"
Andrew Curtis, UK operations manager at Starship Technologies, said at the time: "We are very pleased to offer the benefits of autonomous delivery to thousands of residents in Greater Manchester from today and continue our expansion in the north of England. The robots provide ease and convenience for people, while also making a positive contribution to reducing congestion and carbon emissions.
"We are confident that the service will be well received and look forward to a long-standing relationship with Trafford Council to hopefully roll the service out further in the months ahead."
Co-op declined to comment on the 'stuck' robot, but Chris Conway, the grocer's ecommerce director, said at the launch: "Co-op stores are well placed in the heart of local communities to provide quick, easy and convenient home deliveries - whether a full shop or last-minute top-ups. We are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to our products and services, and are delighted to be able to roll-out autonomous robots to the streets of Greater Manchester."
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