International start-up Starship Technologies, founded by two Skype co-founders, has announced the launch of self-driving delivery robots providing an ‘earthbound’ alternative to drones, which, it claimed, will “fundamentally improve local delivery of goods and groceries, making it almost free”.
Starship Technologies said its aim is to introduce a fleet of “small, safe, practical, free from CO2 emissions” delivery robots to “create unprecedented convenience and cost savings for individuals, while opening up new opportunities for businesses such as parcel delivery firms or grocery stores”.
The six-wheeled robots have the capacity to carry a maximum of 9 kg which equals two grocery bags. They will drive on pedestrian roads at a speed of around four miles an hour corresponding to a brisk walking pace. They can complete local deliveries within 5-30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet, which would cost 10-15 times less per shipment than the current last-mile delivery alternatives, the start-up claimed.
Via a smartphone app, customers can choose from a variety of short and precise delivery time slots to ensure the goods arrive at a time that suits them the most. During the delivery process, they can track the robot’s location in real time via the app. When the parcel arrives, only the app holder is authorised to unlock the cargo.
What enables the robots to drive autonomously is integrated navigation and ‘obstacle avoidance’ software. However, they are also overseen by human operators who can step in to ensure safety at all times.
The company explained that the technology eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming door-to-door delivery as retailers can ship the goods in bulk to a local hub from where the robot fleet will complete the delivery to shoppers’ homes “for a fraction of the cost”.
“Our vision revolves around three zeroes – zero cost, zero waiting time and zero environmental impact. We want to do to local deliveries what Skype did to telecommunications,” Ahti Heinla, a Skype co-founder and CEO at Starship Technologies, said.
“With e-commerce continuing to grow, consumers expect to have more convenient options for delivery – but at a cost that suits them. The last few miles often amounts to the majority of the total delivery cost. Our robots are purposely designed using the technologies made affordable by mobile phones and tablets – it’s fit for purpose, and allows for the cost savings to be passed on to the customer,” he added.
The robots are intended to slip seamlessly and safely into the environment. “They don’t fly – these are not drones. They travel on pavements/sidewalks, blending safely in with pedestrian traffic.”
The company stressed that robot delivery can also be used for point-to-point delivery of goods or returns. It is currently testing and demonstrating prototypes with plans to launch the first pilot in cooperation with its service partners in the USA, UK and other countries in 2016.
Starship Technologies employs 30 people and has offices in London, United Kingdom, and Tallinn, Estonia.
