Co-op’s robot delivery set to expand in Northampton

Co-op’s revolutionary robot delivery scheme has been expanded to make it available to 150,000 residents in Northampton, stated reports today.

Co-op’s robot delivery service was first launched a year ago. With the new expansion, an additional 31,000 households have been added to the network, which includes six Co-op stores in several areas of Northampton.

The scheme will see boxes-on-wheels robots made by Starship Technologies delivering online orders placed by the Northampton residents. The robots can cross roads and avoid obstacles using sophisticated sensors, and can deliver up to three miles away.

Customers can watch in real-time via an interactive map as the robot makes its journey to them. Once the robot arrives, they receive an alert, and can meet and unlock it through the app.

Chris Conway, Co-op’s head of e-commerce, said: “Co-op is committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to our products and services.

“Our members and our customers lead busy lives and ease, speed and convenience is at the heart of our approach.”

The robots are powered by zero-carbon electricity.

Councillor Phil Larratt of West Northamptonshire Council said the scheme was helping towards the town’s ambition to become carbon-neutral by 2030.