Robots ride to rescue as delivery risks rise

The Starship delivery robots have seen surging demand due to the coronavirus outbreak

Published: April 16, 2020 09:15 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Editor

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Washington: What looks like a rolling picnic cooler stops at the crosswalk, waits for a car to pass and then navigates its way at a leisurely pace down the sidewalk in suburban Washington. Image Credit: AFP

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Three blocks away, Jake Williams and his three-year-old daughter Emilia wait for the delivery robot and take out bags with pizza, fresh fruit and a loaf of French bread from the nearby Broad Branch Market. Image Credit: AFP

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"We can't go into the shops now," says Williams, among those locked down due to the virus pandemic."And it's fun for her." Image Credit: AFP

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The Starship delivery robots have seen surging demand in dozens of cities around the world, with consumers staying home and virus risks growing for both shoppers and delivery workers. Image Credit: AFP

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The rolling devices operate autonomously at a speed of around six kilometers (four miles) per hour and can carry about three bags of goods. Image Credit: AFP

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Starship began working with the Broad Branch in early April, when the corner store was forced to close to shoppers because it was too small to ensure proper social distancing. Image Credit: AFP

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Store owner Tracy Stannard said a fleet of up to 10 robots each day, managed by Starship, helps the market meet demands in the neighborhood. The store handles 60 to 70 deliveries daily, half by robot. Image Credit: AFP

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"Some people request the robot, they don't even care about the groceries," Stannard said. "It's cute to see them roaming the neighborhood and it makes people happy." Image Credit: AFP

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Robot deliveries from Starship and a handful of other companies meet only a tiny fraction of food deliveries, but highlight a need in a time of social distancing and pandemic fears. Image Credit: AFP

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The jump in demand comes as consumers see a trip to the grocery store as a perilous adventure, and retail employees are scrambling to keep safe. Image Credit: AFP

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Robots ride to rescue as delivery risks rise

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Robots ride to rescue as delivery risks rise

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