MOST OF THE focus surrounding robot deliveries tend to focus on drones, but a new company from some former Skype founders are taking a different approach.

Its solution is a small, self-driving robot which can deliver groceries locally.

The company behind it, Starship Technology, was founded by two of Skype’s co-founders, Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, and aims to change how local deliveries are conducted.

The self-driving autonomous robot drives on the pavement and travels at a speed of 6.4 kph, giving it time to react to any obstacles, and can complete deliveries within five to thirty minutes.

While it’s capable of navigating through an area – detecting obstacles, adjusting its speed and knowing when to cross the street – the robots are monitored by human operators who can take control at any time, and communicate with people if necessary.

Capable of carrying the equivalent of two grocery bags, the robot is designed for local deliveries that take place within a 5km radius.

After choosing a time slot for delivery, those waiting can track the robot’s location using an app and only they can unlock the robot when it arrives.

The company claim it will cost ten to fifteen times less than the current cost of local deliveries, and consumes “less energy than a lightbulb”.

Pilot services will begin in the US, UK and other countries in 2016.

Read: No, Snapchat isn’t storing your photos and never did >

Read: Hologram concerts are coming, but would you pay to see ‘Michael Jackson’? >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More