Co-op Faces Criticism Over Use of AI Robots for Grocery Deliveries

Co-op is facing accusations that its use of AI-powered robots for grocery deliveries poses safety and accessibility risks. The walking charity Living Streets has voiced concerns to Co-op interim chief executive Kate Allum, stating that the autonomous machines are making pavements less safe and accessible for the public.

Living Streets argues that the six-wheeled robots, operated by Starship Technologies, could create particular problems for older and disabled individuals. The charity asserts that pavements should not be repurposed as logistics routes and has heard from individuals across Britain who feel the robots impede accessibility. Older individuals who rely on walking to local shops for their daily routines are considered particularly at risk.

Starship robots are small autonomous machines designed for short-distance local deliveries, capable of carrying groceries or takeaway items. They have a maximum speed of 4 mph. The robots are currently deployed in various locations across the UK, including Leeds, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Cambourne, Cambridge, Rushden, Trafford, Wakefield, and Wellingborough.

Concerns about the robots' operation were amplified following an incident in 2023 where a robot reportedly collided with a dog and its owner. Brian Dawson, 56, reported that a shopping bot rammed into his 12-year-old dog, Pippa, while they were walking near a Co-op branch in Milton Keynes. Dawson stated the robot then struck his leg, leading him to kick the machine to move it away. He described the robot approaching him at considerable speed and hitting his dog before impacting his leg.

Customers can order groceries via the Starship app, with the robot delivered to their doorstep. A local store staff member loads the robot, which then travels to the customer's home. Delivery fees for this service start at 99 pence.

Co-op has previously stated that the robots utilize a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning for navigation on pavements and obstacle avoidance. The company's computer vision-based navigation technology is designed to map the surrounding environment.

Co-op initially trialed these robots in Milton Keynes in 2018. The robots, some of which have been given names like Sir Lance-a-bot, Gizmo, and Sunshine, saw increased usage during the pandemic, and their availability has expanded since. They are capable of delivering groceries in as little as 20 minutes. Several hundred of these robots are estimated to be in operation in the UK, serving hundreds of thousands of customers.

Starship Technologies, founded in Estonia in 2014 by Skype co-founders Janus Friis and Ahti Heinla, has previously called for clearer regulations to facilitate the expansion of its fleet and support further investment in autonomous delivery systems.

Co-op has clarified that it does not operate the robots directly; orders are placed with Starship Technologies.