Starship Technologies, in conjunction with Milton Keynes Council, has released the initial findings of an internal study to review the early impact of zero-emission robots in the city.
Since launching the emission-free autonomous delivery service in Milton Keynes in April 2018, Starship has calculated that 280,000 car journeys have been avoided, equating to over 500,000 miles. This in turn has seen 137 tons of CO2 and 22kg of NOx saved, with a reduction of 23kg of PM10 and 12kg of PM2.5 in the volume of micro-particles in the air.
Volker Beckers, special advisor to the Starship Technologies board, said: “An average delivery for a Starship robot consumes as little energy as boiling the kettle to make just one cup of tea.
“These initial findings therefore demonstrate the significantly positive impact that electrically powered robots can have in helping to reduce harmful emissions and how energy could be used more effectively.
“Starship remains as committed as ever to working closely with Milton Keynes Council and helping to tackle some of the huge challenges in discussion surrounding COP26. We are further encouraged that additional research has revealed that close to 70% of Starship’s customers forgo driving to a store or receiving a delivery from a fuel powered vehicle in favour of robot delivery.”
The delivery robots, which are powered by zero carbon electricity, are part of an ecosystem in Milton Keynes geared towards the council’s commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon negative by 2050.
Cabinet member for climate action and sustainability, Milton Keynes Council, Jennifer Willson-Marklew, said: “We are delighted that Starship’s service is helping residents and businesses receive deliveries in an efficient and sustainable way.
“The operations are a great success and the results are testament to how thinking differently about our carbon challenges can deliver better outcomes all round. Whether it’s Starship, more electric vehicle charging or electric buses, Milton Keynes will continue establishing itself as a modern, forward-thinking city that’s ready to take on the climate challenge head-on.”
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