Robot Company, Starship, are teaming up with Uber Eats to bring autonomous delivery to Sheffield.

Arriving in December, six wheeled robots will be available for takeaway and groceries as an alternative to riders and drivers.

The robots are equipped with the ability to mount curbs and human operators on standby to take control, if they are faced with problems.

They have an 18-hour battery and can deliver hot and cold food in an average of 20 minutes.

Launched by Skype co-founders, Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, in 2014, the company now operates over 2,700 robots in 270 locations around the world.

They aim to have 12,000 robots by 2027.

Already operating in several cities across the UK in collaboration with the Co-op, the Uber Eats expansion will be flagshipped in Sheffield and Leeds.

“Together, we’re building the infrastructure that will define the next generation of urban logistics,” said Heinla.

In October, Starship’s robots were introduced to Downing Street to promote the ways in which technology can transform society for good.

They have emphasised their commitment to accessibility, citing the robots as an effective tool in providing services to people with disabilities.

Milton Keynes MP, Emily Darlington, has heaped praise on the company for its effectiveness in her constituency, but the question remains as to whether this will translate to success in Sheffield, given the cities’ differences.

While all robots have an in-built sensor, their size (697mm x 569mm) may present issues for disabled pedestrians.

Worries also stem from the threat to jobs in Sheffield.

Amy, a local resident, wondered: “How many jobs is that taking away?”

In contrast, another resident, Hannah, said: “If it’s convenient, the consumerist side of my brain would think ‘amazing’ but where does it end?”

There remains a cautious intrigue about the innovation coming to Sheffield but, whatever the opinions, this can be seen as a clear step towards technology gaining ever further influence over everyday life.