Starship Technologies has developed a fleet of six-wheeled 'ground drones' that travel at four miles per hour and are capable of carrying 20 to 25 pounds of cargo.
Deemed the first autonomous delivery robot, the technology is currently being tested in London and is now set to invade Austin, Texas in the United States.

Starship Technologies has developed six-wheeled bots that travel at four miles per hour and capable of carrying 20 to 25 pounds of cargo. Deemed the first autonomous delivery robot, the technology is currently being tested in London and is now set to invade Austin, Texas.

 

HOW THE GROUND-DRONE WORKS

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags.
Each six-wheeled  'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. 
It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address.
Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. 
The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims.
Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over curbs and cobbles, for example.
Customers can choose when they want to receive their delivery and the robot will head to their location with the package securely locked inside, which can be retrieved using the app to unlock the lid.


'We came to Austin because it's common sense, it's obvious. Austin is a very forward-thinking, tech-embracing, innovative city,' Henry Harris-Burland, marketing and communications manager at Starship Technologies, told FOX 7 News.
The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver – so the next time you order from your favorite pizza joint, this machine might have it to you in 30 minutes or less.
Burland explains that the technology can easily integrate with any retailer or restaurant, as it can be added directly to the delivery process online.
'You'd order something as usual online. You'd be offered Starship delivery in the checkout area,' said Harris-Burland.
'And then you'd be notified through your mobile phone when your parcel was ready for delivery. The power is then in your hands.'
Customers also have the power to choose a convenient delivery time and the robot will head to their location with the package securely locked inside, which can be retrieved using the app to unlock the lid.
The drones are fitted with nine cameras, which are placed around the front and back, in addition to sensors that help this machine avoid obstacles in its path.
Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment.
Following the process of mapping a neighborhood, like Mueller, which is located in the northeast-central portion of Austin, the team can setup a hub and unleash the fleet for delivers – which they are working towards making 99 percent autonomous.  
If you’re worried about someone stealing your goods or vandalizing the robot, the firm has said its nine cameras are always recording and can ‘put that thief or vandal up on YouTube pretty quickly’, Harris-Burland said. 
Starship Technologies was invented by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis who hope their machine will be appealing for small businesses who could send up to 20lbs (9kg) of goods to local customers.
It is as yet unnamed, but Keith Cornell, Senior Adviser at Starship told MailOnline: 'We may hold a contest and they may have multiple names. They might have personalities of their own.' 
Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags. 

The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver. Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment
The UK startup has put their focus on three different sectors in the market when it comes to Austin: package deliver, grocery delivery and restaurant deliver. Startship also included two-way audio, so team members can communicate with people in the environment

The idea is that consumers could call for a delivery, which is carried to their door by a robot in between five and 30 minutes, for as little as £1 (60cents). 
Each six-wheeled  'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving, but to begin with will be half controlled by a human operator.
It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology to find its way to the customer's address. 

The mopeds of delivery drivers everywhere are set to be ousted by 'ground drones' that can navigate city streets by themselves. The invasion has begun with Starship Technologies' delivery bots beginning their trials in London (pictured) - and they are scheduled to begin trials and in Now York in spring
The mopeds of delivery drivers everywhere are set to be ousted by 'ground drones' that can navigate city streets by themselves. The invasion has begun with Starship Technologies' delivery bots beginning their trials in London (pictured) - and they are scheduled to begin trials and in Now York in spring

'Walking' on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet.
The scheme also costs between 10 to 15 times less than the cost of current last-mile delivery alternatives, Starship claims.
MailOnline tested the unnamed robots at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. 
Mr Cornell said: 'Trials will be in 14 cities if we get permission from councils.'

 

 

AMAZON WILL BEGIN TESTING DELIVERY DRONES IN BRITAIN 

Amazon plans to test its delivery drones in Britain, meaning customers in the UK could soon receive their packages from the internet giant by air, rather than post.
The move is the result of a deal with the British government and could see customers in the UK trial the new service before those in the US.
The partnership aims to understand how drones can be used safely and reliably, and identify the best regulations to put in place.

Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones (one shown) that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas. But Starship Technologies could be the firm to take over ground deliveries
Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones (one shown) that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas. But Starship Technologies could be the firm to take over ground deliveries

The plan is for Amazon's PrimeAir service to eventually deliver small packages weighing up to 5lbs (2.27kg) in 30 minutes or less.
The world's biggest online retailer, which has laid out plans to start using drones for deliveries by 2017, said a cross-government team supported by the UK Civil Aviation Authority has provided it with the permissions necessary to explore the process.
Flights will begin 'imminently,' according to The Mirror.
Amazon got British approval for three new types of tests: Flying drones that are no longer within sight of their operators in rural and suburban areas, having one person operate several highly automated drones and testing devices to make the drones able to identify and avoid obstacles.
During the test the drones will be only allowed to fly an altitude of 400ft (122m) and kept away from operating near airport flightpaths. 


Greenwich council has already given us permission and this will be the launch location with robots arriving' next month'.
He explained that by the end of the year it's hoped the robots will be 98 per cent autonomous.
'It's the last two per cent that's expensive,' he added.
So instead, the company plans on having a human operator in charge of 100 bots in case they run into trouble, for example.
He confirmed the firm has retail partners lined up - 'names you'll recognise' - but these are currently under wraps. 
'Demand is not an issue,' he continued.

Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship’s bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags. MailOnline tested the unnamed robots at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona (pictured)
Unlike robots designed to resemble humans, the Starship's bot is purely functional with a large compartment to hold deliveries, the equivalent size of two grocery bags.  dailymail

Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. The bot's 'cargo trunk' (pictured) is sealed throughout the trip and only the customer can open it using a specific app upon its arrival
Walking on the pavement at about 4mph (3km/h), robots can complete local deliveries within five to 30 minutes from a local hub or retail outlet. The bot's 'cargo trunk' (pictured) is sealed throughout the trip and only the customer can open it using a specific app upon its arrival. dailymail

 

ROBOT'S ANTI-THEFT MEASURES

If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location.
The drone's nine cameras can also capture the criminal's face.
In any case, the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip- only the customer can open it using a specific app upon the drone's arrival. 
The app will also allow shoppers to track the robot's location in real time.


'The robot's designed to make life easier, so people might still go to the shops to buy flowers, for example, but could use them to carry heavy items such as potatoes home.
Integrated navigation and 'obstacle avoidance software' enable the robots to steer clear of pedestrians or to jump over kerbs and cobbles, for example.
However, human operators are ready to step in if an emergency should arise.
This includes if someone tries to steal the bot. 
If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, the operator can take over - talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location.
The drone's nine cameras can also capture the criminal's face.
In any case, the bot's 'cargo trunk' is sealed throughout the trip- only the customer can open it using a specific app upon the drone's arrival. 
The app will also allow shoppers to track the robot's location in real time.
One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips. 

After more than 3,000 hours of testing in London, Starship Technologies' delivery bots (pictured) are scheduled to start deliveries in Greenwich next month. Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the web, using 3G technology to find its way to addresses
After more than 3,000 hours of testing in London, Starship Technologies' delivery bots (pictured) are scheduled to start deliveries in Greenwich next month. Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the web, using 3G technology to find its way to addresses

Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' (pictured) is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology. If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location
Each six-wheeled 'ground drone' (pictured) is almost completely self-driving. It is constantly connected to the internet, using 3G technology. If a thief attempts to tamper with the robot, or snatch it, a human operator can take over- talking directly to the wrongdoer and sending police to the drone's location. dailymail

One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's (pictured) zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips
One of Starship's main selling points is the battery-powered bot's (pictured) zero direct CO2 emission, as opposed to the pollution brought about but too many, short shopping car trips

'Our vision revolves around three zeroes – zero cost, zero waiting time and zero environmental impact,' said Heinla, boss at Starship Technologies.
'We want to do to local deliveries what Skype did to telecommunications.'
For businesses, Starship's technology eliminates the largest inefficiency in the delivery chain, the last mile. 
Instead of expensive and time-consuming door-to-door delivery, retailers can ship the goods in bulk to a local hub, then the robot fleet completes the delivery to the shopper's door for a fraction of the cost.
'With ecommerce continuing to grow consumers expect to have more convenient options for delivery – but at a cost that suits them,' Heinla said.
'The last few miles often amounts to the majority of the total delivery cost.' 

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