Self-driving robots will begin delivering goods and groceries in the four nations of the UK over the next six months in preparation for the launch of pilot delivery services later this year.

Starship Technologies, a company launched by the co-founders of Skype, says it will begin trials of its six-wheeled intelligent robots in the Greenwich district of London. The robot is designed for delivery of products within a three-mile radius in 30 minutes or less "for under £1 per shipment," according to the company.

Parcels and groceries are stored in Starship's hubs and delivered when clients request a delivery via a mobile phone app. The robots typically drive autonomously but are monitored by human remote controllers who can take over control at any time.

The robots use sidewalks and can detect obstacles, adjust speed, stop and safely cross streets. Image credit: Starship Technologies.According to the company, the introductory program aims to demonstrate to the public how easily the robots can integrate into human life. The robots, which have been under development for two years, use sidewalks like pedestrians and can detect obstacles, adjust speed or stop and safely cross the street.

“Our robots are a totally new class of devices that will provide a combination of low cost and convenience with less-congested streets and zero emissions,” says Ahti Heinla, Starship Technologies CEO.

Starship Technologies says the lightweight robots will enable the company to bring down the cost of parcel delivery by a factor of five to ten times per shipment. Starship's platform is intended to replace or supplement door-to-door deliveries currently done by large delivery vehicles. Delivery vans can drop their parcels in bulk at Starship hubs, resulting in efficiency gains.

The company says the UK was chosen for the pilot because of the government’s "clear commitment" to autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Starship Technologies says it plans to launch similar testing programs in the United States in April and will unveil the first pilot services later this year.