Box On Wheels

[MWG14]

In Northampton yesterday, we saw a little white box on wheels travelling along the pavement all on its own with a little red pennant on its back. There was nobody nearby controlling it. Does anybody know what this was?

[237SJ]

One of these? https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/apr/12/robots-deliver-food-milton-keynes-coronavirus-lockdown-starship-technologies

[MWG14]

Yes, it was just like this. Thank you.

[dave50]

What stops someone just hijacking it and stealing it?

[Mamyalynne]

From Starship as linked to by 237.

//How do you stop theft of the robots and their properties?
Our robots are locked and secure during transport. The lid can only be opened using the customer’s mobile app or the company who are providing the goods to be delivered.

The robots are constantly monitored and equipped with twelve cameras and two-way audio communication systems. Any improper conduct will be detected immediately. If an incident does occur with a Starship Robot, one of our Robot Rescuers can respond quickly. The lid is locked and the robot is tracked to the nearest inch.//

[wolf63]

Does it say how it plans on getting up two flights of stairs to the front door of my flat?

[Mamyalynne]

I doubt it Wolf.

https://www.starship.xyz/contact/faq/

Other Robots are available, you'll have to research ;-)

[Mamyalynne]

Perhaps you'd be better with a drone delivery through the window?

[Canary42]

What with mobility vehicles speeding past and now electric scooters belting along, aren't our pavements hazardous enough for the poor put-upon pedestrian, without the addition of these trundling obstacles.

[pixie374]

Clever :-)

[wolf63]

I will ask for Data from Star Trek:TNG.

[andres]

This might be ok whilst there are only a handful trundling along the streets. However if this idea becomes popular just imagine what would happen if hundreds of them suddenly appear on the pavements.

[Mamyalynne]

Robot Wars.

[jno]

they've nearly invented the drone, just one more element to go.