Tesco and Co-op testing ROBOT delivery that whizzes groceries to your door in 15 minutes
Starship Technologies has launched an app that allows users in Milton Keynes to get their groceries delivered by its six-wheeled robots
TESCO and Co-op shoppers can now get their shop delivered by robots - but you will need to live near Milton Keynes to get the service.
Starship Technologies has launched an app that allows users near Tesco Kingston Centre and Co-op Monkton Park to get their groceries delivered by its six-wheeled robots.
Co-op has been trialling the delivery service since April 2018, while Tesco has recently been added to the app.
Henry Harris-Burland, vice president of marketing at Starship Technologies, said: “Adding Tesco products to our autonomous delivery service is a fantastic addition for residents in the local communities we serve.
"The bots complete thousands of autonomous deliveries a week and have received a great welcome from Milton Keynes.”
Tesco initially trialled the scheme with Starship Technologies back in June 2017 but says it has no plans to launch its own robotic delivery service at present.
Co-op meanwhile, has now extended the "robo-shop" to hundreds more households due to the demand.
The retailer says that eight in 10 households in the Milton Keynes area have downloaded the app to use the service, with pints of milk topping the shopping list of grocery items to order.
With both supermarkets, you need to place your order using Starship Technologies' free app - you can't order via the Co-op or Tesco websites.
There is a £1 delivery charge on orders at both retailers but no minimum delivery spend.
Co-op says prices on the app are the same as in store but Starship says Tesco prices may differ with some being cheaper and others costing more.
Back in 2017, you needed a PIN to unlock the robot and get your shopping out. But this time round, there's no PIN and you instead unlock the robot through a button in the app.
The robot also has cameras, an in-built tracking device and an inbuilt siren to protect it from theft.
Co-op has also launched a taxi delivery service in eight stores around the UK where you can get a free cab home with your shopping if you spend at least £25.
But you may have to wait to get robot and taxi deliveries as Co-op says there are no current plans to extend either service beyond the trials.
Chris Conway, Co-op head of food digital, said: “Retailers need to be increasingly quicker and easier to use and the Co-op is exploring new ways to innovate which can create increased consumer choice, ease, speed and convenience.
"Getting closer to our members and customers wants and needs is driving these new developments. Customers have hailed the trials a success and orders are growing each week.”
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