Starship Technologies talks ethical last mile, carbon reduction and regulation with Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh
Starship Technologies has been dipping its toes into the world of politics, with the robot deliveries firm last week meeting Shadow Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Leeds Council Cabinet member Helen Hayden.
“We talked about ethical last mile, carbon reduction and how supportive regulation can create jobs, investment and opportunities,” the company tweeted on Friday.
Robots up north
Robots are rolling out in Wakefield, Yorkshire 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, said: “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.”
Andrew Curtis, UK Operations Manager at Starship Technologies, commented: “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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