Grocery delivery robots unable to reach destinations- because they can’t cross the road

ROBOTS designed to deliver groceries to shoppers’ homes are being foiled — by pedestrian crossings.

The self-driving six-wheeled vehicles are being used by the Co-op in a pilot scheme, but are having to ask humans for help to press the button to trigger the green man at junctions.

They have even reversed back across the road when the pedestrian signal suddenly turns red.

At least five of them have also been seen queueing at crossings while the one at the front dithers over whether it is safe to cross.

The 36kg robots can detect pedestrians, dogs and cars and are programmed to wait at red lights.

They use 3D cameras to find their way, but cannot press the button to trigger a crossing.

Shoppers in Cambridge can order on an app before staff at the store pack up to 10kg of groceries inside and send them on their 4mph way.

The pilot scheme, which began in May, is to be extended to Leeds.
Robot maker Starship Technologies said: “On the rare occasion assistance is required, they can be monitored remotely.”

Shoppers can use the bots by ordering from home on an app, before staff at the store pack up to 10 kg of groceries inside it.

The bots automatically deliver food and drink before returning to the store for another delivery.

The pilot scheme, which began in May, is set to be extended to areas in Leeds next year before a potential nationwide rollout.

Co-op exec Chris Conway said using the robots shows the store is “exploring new and innovative ways” to let customers shop from home.