Co-op reports robo shopping demand during coronavirus outbreak

Co-op is extending its deployment of Starship Technologies robots across Milton Keynes and surrounding towns and villages.

The retailer first teamed up with Starship Technologies in April 2018 to offer an emission free online home delivery service. It has seen the number of customers using robot deliveries more than double since the start of lockdown, with the value of transactions increasing four-fold as shopping habits change.

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The service has now been made available in eight Co-op stores, with six new ones added since March. Starship waived its delivery charge (which ranges from £1.49 - £2.49 according to distance travelled) for NHS workers during the lockdown period. The robots were also programmed to pause to “clap and cheer” carers and key workers at 8pm on Thursday evenings.

Co-op has also developed the range of products on offer, with shoppers now able to select from around 1,000 everyday essential products and family favourites.

Jason Perry, Co-op Head of Online Development, says: “Quality, ease and convenience is at the core of our approach and we continue to innovate and expand access to our products online in order to offer greater flexibility and choice to meet consumer needs in our communities.”