‘A very good gadget’: taking delivery from the robots of Milton Keynes
Summary
In Milton Keynes, UK, delivery robots made by Starship Technologies have been operating since 2018, delivering groceries from local stores like the Co-op. These small, six-wheeled autonomous robots use cameras, sensors, radar, and AI to navigate sidewalks and avoid obstacles, offering a new way for people to receive goods. Some people find the robots helpful, while others raise concerns about their impact on pedestrian safety.Key Facts
- Delivery robots have been active in Milton Keynes since 2018 and are expanding to other UK cities like Wakefield, Leeds, and Bristol.
- The robots carry deliveries, such as groceries, directly to customers’ homes.
- The robots move at about 4 miles per hour (6.5 kph) and use technology to detect and avoid obstacles, including pedestrians.
- Users like Amrita Singh appreciate the convenience, especially when managing children or illness.
- The UK government is considering laws to allow such delivery robots on sidewalks nationwide.
- Disability and pedestrian groups express concern that robots can block paths and create safety issues, especially for people with disabilities or parents with strollers.
- Starship Technologies says the robots recognize mobility devices and can be remotely controlled by a human if needed.
- Tests in other countries have faced pauses due to complaints from disabled users about blocked access.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.