INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightStarship TechnologiesImage caption
The robots have 10 cameras, ultrasound sensors, radar, and GPS to help
them navigate
Hundreds of robots are to start to delivering packages to addresses across Milton Keynes, in one of the first
full-scale uses of such technology.Residents will be able to get parcels sent to a robot depot, which will notify them when they arrive and
then deliver the item to their door.The scheme is being pioneered by Starship Technologies.The firm has already partnered with the Co-op in
Milton Keynes to deliver groceries there.The new service is available through a mobile phone app, with residents living in the
neighbourhoods covered in Milton Keynes able to have packages delivered to an address of their choice
The robots will be delivering to addresses in Milton Keynes
The robots:Travel along pavements and cross
streets, just like pedestriansHave 10 cameras, ultrasound sensors, radar, and GPSAre able to to see 360 degrees and have a "situational
awareness bubble" around them to detect and avoid any obstaclesUse sophisticated computer vision and software to identify objects such as
cars, pedestrians, traffic lights and pavementsOnce signed-up on the app, people will receive a "personal address" at the depot where
parcels can be sent, to then be delivered by the robots.Lex Bayer, Starship's chief executive officer, said: "We're excited that thanks to
our technology, local communities across Milton Keynes will never miss a home delivery again."Image copyrightStarshipImage caption
The firm has already partnered with the Co-op in Milton Keynes to deliver groceries
Starship Technologies formed
in July 2014 by two Skype co-founders, Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, with Lex Bayer joining in June 2018 from Airbnb.
