The robot revolution hit Number 10 Downing Street during London Tech Week – and the little scamp dressed for the occasion too!
Dressed in a Union Jack and speaking with a very proper British accent, a Starship robot spent a day in London showing the Prime Minister, Cabinet Members and Ministers what it could do.
We were lucky to be accompanied by Daniel, a service user of many years. Daniel is a veteran who was injured in the line of duty and now uses a wheelchair. He competes in the INVICTUS Games and is a medal winning Paralympian! Daniel came along to talk about how autonomous robot delivery integrates into communities and can support those who are less mobile in their daily lives. One of the things we’re really proud of at Starship is how our approach to building social acceptance has seen incredible levels of support and satisfaction in the community. We like to say that we go from ‘novelty to normal’ very quickly, and that when robot delivery is ‘normal’ in a community, we’ve cracked it.
Not to brag, but council surveys in different locations show that our approach works – in Cambridge, an independent survey of resident spit robot approval ratings at 93%.
On the day, our team assembled in the Downing Street garden alongside a select few tech companies who were also showcasing how tech can transform society for good – including a robot arm that could perform surgical biopsies on the smallest of vessels; an AI grill that could cook the perfect steak in minutes (and they brought steak…) and air drones that are working in the NHS.
The Prime Minister has met Starship’s robots before, when he was a Shadow Minister in Opposition, so was already familiar with what we do. We chatted about robots, regulation and how the UK is trying to embrace AI and new technology to drive economic growth.
It was also wonderful to see Milton Keynes MP and long time robot supporter Emily Darlington MP. Emily is always a great advocate for what we do, she made sure Cabinet members came over to say hello, including the Transport Secretary and Business Secretary.
The team – and the robot – had a great day and we got to showcase the real-world and human impact of what we do. We think the King should invite us to Buckingham Palace next!
