City residents worldwide are becoming familiar with rapid delivery services for takeout and groceries, but the introduction of delivery robots is still novel. Ahti Heinla, co-founder of Skype, is leading a startup called Starship Technologies, which aims to streamline delivery through these machines. Heinla claims that Starship can operate deliveries at a profit that is lower than traditional human drivers, even in smaller towns.
Starship Technologies has already made significant strides, completing over 8 million deliveries with a workforce of just 200 employees. The robots have already penetrated markets such as Manchester, Leeds, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes in the UK, along with cities in Finland and Estonia. Heinla asserts that making this technology mainstream could impact many lives positively.
Heinla’s background as a co-creator of Skype, alongside experiences that include developing the file-sharing program Kazaa, underscores his expertise in technology. He expresses a desire to see robotics influence daily life rather than a focus on personal wealth.
The robots utilize technology initially designed for a competition to create a low-cost Mars rover, enabling them to navigate urban environments without supervision. Starship has partnered with firms like Bolt and the Co-op supermarket in the UK, but faces challenges like inconsistent regulatory frameworks that hinder its scale compared to Finland, where national legislation supports robot deliveries.
Although Starship claims readiness to invest and expand its services in the UK, competitors like Serve Robotics and Nuro emerge as significant rivals as delivery technology continues to evolve. The startup has secured over €200 million in funding but still operates at a loss. Heinla believes demand for deliveries will grow, suggesting that robots could fill the gap where traditional delivery systems fall short.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/oct/04/delivery-robots-skype-co-founder-ahti-heinla-starship