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Self-driving autonomous delivery robots to hit the streets of Greenwich

Estonia-based startup Starship Technologies has chosen Greenwich, London as the site of the first major trial of its self-driving delivery robots.

The tech firm, which is founded by former Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, will launch the trials of its autonomous delivery robots in borough ahead of a pilot launch later this year.

The UK is fast becoming a world leader in autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, with trial programmes such as these aiming to demonstrate how the vehicles can integrate with public life.

Starship Technologies’ delivery robots use pavements like pedestrians, travelling at slow speeds and emit zero emissions.

Ahti Heinla, Chief Executive Officer at Starship Technologies, said: “Our robots are a totally new class of devices that will provide a combination of low cost and convenience with less congested streets and zero emissions.

“The robot has been in development for almost two years, and we’ve experienced unprecedented levels of interest and goodwill – so it’s great to now be taking the first step to rolling our little robot out for real.

“The robot has been very well-received by pedestrians in all of the interactions we’ve seen so far, so it’s very exciting to be officially introducing the robot to the British public.”

Commenting on Greenwich being chosen as the site of the world-first trials, Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, added: “I am delighted that The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been chosen as the first location in the UK to trial this revolutionary delivery system, and that Starship Technologies has chosen to base their UK offices in Greenwich.

“This technology has the potential to transform the local delivery of goods and groceries. The trial complements the work being undertaken by the Royal Borough of Greenwich on smart city innovation – work that we believe will be significant for all cities in the future.”

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