Co-op, a UK supermarket chain, is facing accusations of deploying "dangerous" AI-powered robots for grocery deliveries, according to a report by the Daily Mail. Campaigners argue that these autonomous machines are making pavements less safe and accessible, particularly for older and disabled individuals.
Living Streets, a walking charity, has formally written to Co-op’s interim chief executive, Kate Allum, expressing concerns about the use of Starship Technologies robots. These small, six-wheeled robots are designed for short-distance local deliveries, with a maximum speed of 4 mph. The charity states that it has received feedback from individuals across Britain who feel the robots impede accessibility on sidewalks.
The robots are currently in operation in various locations, including Leeds, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Cambourne, Cambridge, Rushden, Trafford, Wakefield, and Wellingborough.
Concerns about the robots' safety were highlighted by an incident in 2023 when a robot reportedly collided with a dog and its owner. Brian Dawson, 56, described how a robot rammed into his 12-year-old dog, Pippa, while they were on a pavement near a Co-op in Milton Keynes. Dawson stated that the robot then struck his leg, prompting him to kick it away. He recounted that the robot approached him again and hit his leg after he attempted to note its identification.
Customers typically order groceries via the Starship app, and the robots are loaded by store staff before navigating to the customer's address. Delivery fees start at 99 pence.
Co-op has previously stated that the robots utilize a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to navigate pavements and avoid obstacles, employing computer vision-based technology to map their surroundings. The supermarket chain first began testing these robots in Milton Keynes in 2018.
The popularity of these robots increased during the pandemic, leading to expanded availability. Several hundred robots are reportedly in use across the UK, serving numerous customers and enabling grocery deliveries in as little as 20 minutes.
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 attract further investment in autonomous delivery services.
Co-op has clarified that it does not directly operate the robots, with orders being placed directly with Starship Technologies.