Robots hit Wakefield as Starship Technologies and Co-op expand grocery delivery service in Yorkshire
Robots are rolling out in Wakefield, Yorkshire from today as a partnership between Starship Technologies, Co-op and Wakefield Council brings autonomous grocery deliveries to local residents.
The service will initially be available to 13,000 residents across 6,500+ households, with orders made through the Starship food delivery app, which is available for download on iOS and Android.
Groceries will be picked from the local Co-op store on Meadow Vale, Outwood, and delivered from store to door in minutes.
The launch follows recent roll-outs in areas of Leeds and Greater Manchester.
Starship’s robots are also in operation in several other locations across the UK, including Milton Keynes; Northampton, Bedford; Cambourne and Cambridge.
Chris Conway, eCommerce Director, Co-op, says: “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 delighted to be able to roll-out autonomous robot deliveries to provide additional online flexibility, choice and convenience in Wakefield.”
Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, says: “We’re excited that this cutting-edge technology is coming to our district and helping our residents who might find it difficult to get out and about with an affordable and convenient way of doing their food shopping.”
“The service is also environmentally-friendly - the robots are zero emission; people won’t need to drive to the shops in their cars, and it will help to reduce food waste as people can order a small shop with the exact ingredients they need.”
Andrew Curtis, UK Operations Manager at Starship Technologies, comments: “We are delighted to officially launch our service in Wakefield today and provide local residents with the opportunity to have their groceries delivered by our fleet of battery powered robots.”
“The robots have been widely welcomed everywhere they operate for the benefits they provide in terms of ease and convenience for people, while also having a positive environmental impact. We all want cleaner air to breathe, and our robots make short car journeys to the supermarket a thing of the past.”
Those placing an order will be able to tap a recently launched new feature from Starship, with three robot ‘characters’ available to customise the delivery experience.
Wakefield residents can choose to receive their orders from Sir Lance-a-bot, Gizmo and Sunshine, with each greeting customers in their own unique way. People can also choose a song for their robot to play on arrival.
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