Robots will soon be delivering bags of shopping in Greater Manchester to help customers with their 'busy lives'. Small white robots, that travel solo along the pavement, were designed by Starship, offering 'meals on six wheels'.
There was confusion on Wednesday (March 1) as videos first captured them wheeling themselves through streets in Sale, with bemused passers by admitting they had to 'look twice'.
It has since been confirmed that they were not delivering bags of groceries, but were instead 'mapping' the local area in anticipation for the launch in parts of Trafford, which is expected later this month.
READ MORE "I had to look twice": Confusion as little white robot seen driving along street in Sale
The devices are built to carry groceries, hot food or parcels over short distances, driving themselves along pavements at around 4mph, before then delivering them at a specified address. They use a number of sensors and 12 cameras to enable them to navigate and move around obstacles and can only be opened via a code in a mobile app once at their final destination.
Manchester-based Co-op was the first UK supermarket to use autonomous robot deliveries when the service first launched in Milton Keynes. The approach is focussed on 'quick convenience', with the produce picked fresh in local stores before being delivered locally.
Trafford Council outlined a trial delivering Co-op goods which 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 later this month.
Customers can order their delivery to arrive in under an hour and watch the robot travel in real-time via an interactive map. The robots are powered by a battery and renewable electricity.
Chris Conway, eCommerce Director, Co-op, said: “Co-op is committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to its products and services. Our members and customers lead busy lives and so ease, speed and convenience is a cornerstone of our approach.
"Co-op stores are well placed to provide quick home deliveries in communities with products picked fresh in our local stores - whether that is a full grocery shop or for those last-minute top-ups, treats for evenings at home or forgotten items. We are committed to providing flexible, quick and convenient options online for shoppers in our communities.”
Starship, which was created by the co-founders of communications system Skype in 2014, currently operates a fully commercial service in five countries around the world and, towns and cities in the UK in partnership with Co-op including Milton Keynes; Bedford; Northampton; Cambridge and Leeds.
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