Starship
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Starship delivery robots are designed and manufactured by Starship Technologies, an Estonian/US company that launched in 2017 and operates in Estonia, Finland, Germany, UK, USA and other countries, often in partnership with local supermakets and logistics companies.
Starship robots can travel at a max speed of 6 kilometres per hour (3.7 mph) and use AI, machine learning, cameras, ultrasound, radar, sensors and GPS to travel along pavements and cross streets.
The company says its robots are now "99 percent autonomous" and in Mafch 2022 told Nordic Ninja VC that Starship’s delivery costs are now lower than the human equivalent.
Delivery robot
A delivery robot is an autonomous robot that provides "last mile" delivery services.
Source: Wikipedia 🔗
System 🤖
Website: Starship 🔗
Released: 2017
Developer: Starship Technologies
Purpose: Deliver groceries
Type: Robotics
Technique: Machine learning; Neural network
Documents 📃
Starship Technologies. How do I report a safety issue?
Starship Technologies. Privacy policy
Starship Technologies. FAQs
Reviews 🗣️
Transparency and accountability 🙈
Starship Technologies is seen to have a number of transparency and accountability limitations:
Technical information. Starship has not publicly disclosed detailed technical information about its robots' navigation systems, sensor suites, or decision-making algorithms. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for external experts to evaluate the safety and reliability of the robots.
Testing and validation. The company has not provided detailed information on its testing and validation procedures for the robots. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the robustness of the testing and validation processes.
Data collection and use. Starship Technologies' robots collect data on their surroundings and interactions with humans. However, the company has not provided detailed information on what data is collected, how it is used, and how it is protected.
Accident accountability. In the event of an accident involving a Starship Technologies robot, it may be difficult to determine accountability. The company's liability policies are not publicly available, making it unclear who is responsible in the event of an accident.
Independent auditing and certification. Starship Technologies' robots are not subject to independent auditing or certification by a third-party organisation. This lack of external oversight raises concerns about the company's internal safety and security controls.
Incident reporting. Starship Technologies does not publicly report incidents involving its robots, such as accidents or near-misses. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the safety record of the robots.
Complaints and appeals. Starship Technologies does not have a clear process for addressing public concerns or complaints about its robots. This lack of transparency and accountability can make it difficult for individuals to raise concerns or report issues.
Risks and harms 🛑
Starship delivery robots have been known to collide with pedestrians, cars and trains, get lost, or take too much time to make deliveries, resulting in physical damage, the delay of public services, legal liability issues, distress and anger, and concerns about their impact on jobs.
Incidents and issues 🔥
February 2024. Starship robot damages car, flees scene of crime
November 2023. Starship robot 'tries to run over pedestrian'
September 2023. Starship robot knocks over Arizona State University employee
December 2022. Starship robot 'wipes out' Rushden shopper
April 2022. Starship robot knocks child in shopping centre
March 2022. Starship robot struck by freight train
2020. Starship robot causes Hamburg rail delay
September 2020. Starship robot hits car at stoplight, causes USD 2,600 damage
August 2020. Starship robot delivering groceries veers into canal
October 2019. Starship robots impede wheelchair users
2019. Starship robot hits visually impaired woman's guide dog
2019. Starship robot collides with woman, causing her to break her hip
Research, advocacy 🧮
Page info
Type: System
Published: December 2021
Last updated: August 2024