Call for Relaxation of Transport Laws by Billionaire Behind Robot Delivery Company
Ahti Heinla, the billionaire co-founder of Skype and the current CEO of Starship Technologies, the world’s largest robot delivery company, has urged the UK government to relax transport laws to facilitate the operation of his fleet of Artificial Intelligence (AI) delivery robots. In return, he hinted at the possibility of establishing a multi-million-pound factory in the UK to enhance the rollout of his innovative delivery service.
Heinla, who famously sold Skype to eBay for an impressive $2.6 billion in 2005, is considering the UK as a potential site for a new factory. This move comes as Starship Technologies plans to deploy thousands of delivery robots across the UK and Europe. However, Heinla believes that significant changes to UK transport policy are essential to enable this expansion.
Pointing to successful implementations in countries like Finland, where pavements have been opened for delivery robots, Heinla expressed a desire for the UK to adopt a similar approach. He stated, “There is a very specific thing that the UK government could do, and that is to unify the regulations around driving robots on the pavement.” He emphasized the need for clarity regarding the legal conditions for operating these robots on public walkways.
“Currently, we have to navigate regulations on a council-by-council basis, seeking their approval,” Heinla explained. “It would be beneficial if there were national regulations outlining the principles for this, or if the government declared that local councils could determine which types of devices are permitted on the pavements.” He further noted that UK traffic laws still reference outdated concepts such as horse-drawn carriages. In contrast, he praised Finland for its clear regulatory framework that allows for countrywide operation of delivery robots.
When asked if a relaxation of laws governing battery-powered robots would motivate Starship to invest “tens of millions” in a UK production facility, Heinla responded affirmatively, stating, “Absolutely. We are ready to expand in the UK. Our aim is to provide benefits like lower-cost deliveries in a more ethical and sustainable manner.”
Starship Technologies boasts the largest fleet of autonomous delivery robots globally, which currently operates in partnership with the supermarket Co-op in cities including Cambridge, Leeds, Milton Keynes, and Northampton. With over 2,000 robots that have collectively traveled more than 9 million miles and completed over 7 million deliveries worldwide, the company is well-positioned for growth.
Heinla has ambitious plans to produce tens of thousands of new robots from production facilities around the globe. Each robot is equipped with a long-lasting battery and utilizes advanced AI technology and mapping systems to navigate routes, even in areas where satellite GPS coverage is lacking. “Our plans align seamlessly with the UK government’s AI action plan,” Heinla added. “We also aim to support local convenience stores, which often struggle to compete with larger retailers located in suburban areas. Our instant delivery service is particularly beneficial for these neighborhood stores, giving them a competitive edge.”
While Starship operates in various countries, including the US, Finland, Estonia, and Germany, it has set its sights on ambitious global expansion, particularly in the UK, which boasts the highest number of deliveries per capita in the world. A representative from the Department for Transport stated, “Safety remains our top priority. While we recognize the potential of delivery robots, we also understand they may pose risks. We continue to assess the role this technology can play in our transport system, ensuring that any future regulations are effective.”
