tech
'A very good gadget': taking delivery from the robots of Milton Keynes
Starship Technologies six-wheelers could soon become a more familiar sight across the country under new laws
TL;DR
- Autonomous delivery robots have been operating in Milton Keynes since 2018, designed by Starship Technologies.
- Residents like Amrita Singh find the robots very useful, particularly when dealing with children or during illness.
- The robots use radars, cameras, sensors, and AI to navigate obstacles and crossings, traveling at about 4 mph.
- Concerns have been raised by disability and pedestrian safety charities regarding potential dangers to older, disabled, or visually impaired individuals and parents with buggies.
- Starship claims the robots recognize mobility devices and can be remotely controlled by human backup if needed.
- Some users have experienced technical issues with the robots, such as orders not registering as complete.
- Resident George Domnar initially saw the robots as a sign of the 'city of the future' but now prefers to walk for exercise.
- Concerns about vandalism and the robots being abused are present, with some users urging respect for the technology.
- There is potential for these robots to be approved for wider use across the UK under new micromobility laws.