Stevenage to Trial Autonomous Delivery Robots

 

Photo Credit: Starship Technologies.

A fleet of autonomous robots will begin navigating pavements in Stevenage later this summer as part of a pilot project backed by Hertfordshire County Council.

The trial introduces delivery machines operated by Starship Technologies to the town, where they will transport goods such as groceries, pharmacy supplies, and takeaway meals. These units, which measure roughly 70cm in length and travel at speeds up to four miles per hour, use onboard cameras, sensors, and GPS to navigate public spaces.

Trial Scope and Governance

Hertfordshire County Council officials noted that the operating zone has been specifically mapped to oversee safety, accessibility, and rights of way. While the robots are programmed for autonomous travel, council documents indicate the units are equipped to request assistance from passers-by at pedestrian crossings.

The council retains the authority to pause or end the project if compliance, safety, or accessibility concerns arise during the pilot. Funding for the trial is provided entirely by the operator, Starship Technologies, which already manages similar services in locations such as Milton Keynes, Northampton, Cambridgeshire, Leeds, and Bedfordshire.

Council’s Strategic Assessment

Members of the council’s highways cabinet panel reviewed the proposal recently, showing support for the initiative. Council documents state the pilot will help officials examine whether the technology can support local delivery needs, reduce the frequency of short-distance car journeys, and provide assistance to residents with mobility impairments or those relying on carers.

As the trial progresses, the council intends to monitor the system's performance alongside public perception and the overall impact of the units on local footways. Future decisions regarding the expansion of the service to other parts of the county will be informed by the evidence gathered during this trial period.

source:https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5v5z0exw9o