Robots to deliver takeaways in student areas

Robot takeaway deliveries will launch in Leeds next week

Robots will soon be delivering takeaways in one of Leeds' busiest neighbourhoods.

The autonomous machines, which run on six wheels, have been delivering groceries to residents in parts of Leeds since 2022, when a partnership with Co-op began.

From next month the technology will be expanded to Headingley, Hyde Park and Woodhouse and open to a number of businesses through the Uber Eats app.

Headingley and Hyde Park councillor Jonathan Pryor said the "tried and tested" robots had already proved to be a "real success" in the city.

The robots will be able to complete deliveries in less than 30 minutes for distances of up to two miles (3.2km), according to a spokesperson for the company behind them, Starship Technologies.

Pryor said they would help ease congestion in the area and improve air quality.

"One issue we have is the amount of congestion and a lot of congestion is from people making short trips," he said.

He admitted the thought of encountering robots in the street might seem a little strange, but added: "It does just feel like this is the way a lot of technology is going".

Pryor was also relaxed about potential crime and safety concerns, given the robots could be sharing the streets with the "thousands" of revellers taking part in the Otley Run pub crawl every week.

"They are very deferential, they will not ride into someone," he said.

"They lock when they have got the food in, so you can't just open it. Once it arrives at your destination you unlock it [using an app]."

Safety fears previously raised about the machines when they were launched by Co-op stores in Adel and Tinshill were unfounded, he added.

A spokesperson for Starship said the machines had completed more than nine million deliveries across seven countries. It was aiming to expand to "multiple" European countries in 2026.

"The company has addressed key challenges such as safety validation, regulatory approval across seven countries, all-weather reliability, and profitability at scale," the spokesperson said.

Starship has partnered with Uber Eats, meaning the robots will be used by brands other than Co-op.

"Autonomous delivery is an exciting part of how we see the future," said Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous at Uber.

While there are fears the rise of AI could harm job prospects, an Uber spokesperson said it was the company's view that it would have more couriers and drivers on its network in a decade's time.

Pryor said: "Technology is always going to change the jobs in the market, even if you go 100 years back to looms. It's always going to be a factor.

"I don't think it's a reason to not embrace change, but you do have to make sure there are jobs for people to go to."

'Natural progression'

The step into the future was welcomed by people the BBC spoke to in Headingley.

"We have got to go with the flow," said Margaret.

"I'm a dinosaur when it comes to technology, but bring it on - the world is moving on."

Chloe was one of several students living in the area who welcomed the move, even if she did have some concerns.

"It seems like a natural progression of what the world is coming to," she said.

"Whether that's a good thing or not, I'm not so sure.

"I like the idea of a person coming to the door with my food, but maybe it will be more reliable and quicker."

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