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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Technology
Jon Robinson

The Co-op to use autonomous robots for deliveries in Greater Manchester

The Co-op has started using autonomous robots to make deliveries in an area of Greater Manchester.

The group is using the robots from Starship Technologies which has partnered with Trafford Council to introduce them in Sale.

Starship Technologies already uses the robots in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Cambridge and Leeds.

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Chris Conway, e-commerce director at the Co-op, said: "Co-op stores are well placed in the heart of local communities to provide quick, easy and convenient home deliveries - whether a full shop or last-minute top-ups.

"We are committed to exploring new and innovative ways to increase access to our products and services, and delighted to be able to roll-out autonomous robots to provide additional online flexibility and choice in Greater Manchester."

Andrew Curtis, UK operations manager at Starship Technologies, added: "We are very pleased to offer the benefits of autonomous delivery to thousands of residents in Greater Manchester from today and continue our expansion in the north of England.

"The robots provide ease and convenience for people, while also making a positive contribution to reducing congestion and carbon emissions.

"We are confident that the service will be well received and look forward to a long-standing relationship with Trafford Council to hopefully roll the service out further in the months ahead."

Cllr Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s executive member for environmental services, said: "We are excited to be working with the Co-op and Starship Technologies to launch this new initiative in the Sale area.

"The robots are a lot of fun and it will be great to see them taking to the streets of the borough. But there is a more serious message here - Trafford Council is totally committed to helping the environment and reducing our carbon emissions and the electric robots could well contribute towards those aims."

The service in Greater Manchester will initially be available to 24,000 residents across 10,500 households.

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