Cambourne in UK to host Europe’s first wireless charging station for Starship Technologies delivery robots

Starship Technologies, a provider of autonomous delivery services, has announced the installation of the first wireless charging station for its robots in Europe.

Thanks to a collaboration with Cambourne Town Council, a fleet of its robots will now recharge between making grocery deliveries across Cambourne in Cambridgeshire.

The service first launched in Cambourne back in May 2022, offering groceries from the Co-op store at 29 Mosquito Road in Upper Cambourne.

Starship first introduced wireless charging stations on George Mason University campus in the US over six months ago.

It now expects to further reduce emissions in Cambourne as robots will no longer need to be couriered by van between service areas. Wireless charging is more energy efficient, allowing them to charge up overnight, while they’re sleeping, on-site.

Danny Pass, Director of European Field Operations at Starship Technologies, says: “People in Cambourne have told us how much they love Starship’s robot delivery service, and now we’re making it even more environmentally friendly by rolling out the first ever autonomous wireless charging stations in Europe.”

“Cambourne is leading the way! When they’re low on energy, the little guys will take themselves to charge, then get back to work when they’re re-energised. We’re really proud to have worked with the Town Council to bring new innovation and technology into the community.”

John Vickery, Cambourne Town Clerk, comments: “For nearly two years now, Starship’s robots have been embraced and widely welcomed as part of the local community. So we are very proud that Cambourne has been chosen as the location for the first European installation of wireless charging facilities for the robots.”

Chris Conway, Co-op E-commerce Director, says: “We are facing a climate and environmental crisis, and Co-op is committed to cutting carbon emissions from its own operations and supply chain.”

“We know that the autonomous, quick and convenient delivery of groceries can reduce the number of short car journeys locally, and are pleased to see the introduction of wireless charging designed to further improve the energy efficiency of robot deliveries.”

Starship’s 2,000+ fleet of robots operate 99% autonomously and complete 150,000 crossings globally every day. Last month, the firm announced its latest funding round had seen a further $90 million raised.