UK supermarket Tesco is testing an innovative method of grocery delivery with the help of Starship Technologies. The company has launched an app that allows consumers to have their groceries delivered by robots.
Consumers near Milton Keynes in the UK can have products delivered to them by six-wheeled robots. The robots have cameras, an in-built tracking device and an in-built siren to prevent from theft.
“Adding Tesco products to our autonomous delivery service is a fantastic addition for residents in the local communities we serve. The bots complete thousands of autonomous deliveries a week and have received a great welcome from Milton Keynes,” said Henry Harris-Burland, vice president of marketing at Starship Technologies.
Tesco has started to deliver food by robots in Milton Keynes. Tesco is working with robotics company Starship Technologies, which already delivers for a Co-op branch in Milton Keynes. Tesco fulfilling the service from a Tesco Extra in the city’s Kingston Centre.
#innovation pic.twitter.com/4wEGomVCVN— Toby Pickard (@TobyPickard_IGD) January 8, 2019
Tesco first trialled the robot delivery with Starship Technologies in June 2017. The supermarket giant told the The Sun that it has no plans as of yet to launch its own robotic delivery service. Co-op has expanded the “robo-shop” to more households to meet the consumers’ demands.
Consumers can place their order via Starship Technologies’ free app. A £1 delivery charge is applied on orders at both retailers without minimum delivery spend.
“Retailers need to be increasingly quicker and easier to use and the Co-op is exploring new ways to innovate which can create increased consumer choice, ease, speed and convenience,” said Chris Conway, Co-op head of food digital.
“Getting closer to our members and customers wants and needs is driving these new developments. Customers have hailed the trials a success and orders are growing each week.”
