Uber Eats-branded delivery robots in Sheffield vandalised with black paint saying 'off our streets'
Delivery robots introduced in Sheffield just over a week ago have already been vandalised.
On March 20, The Star reported the first sightings of new Starship delivery buggies running along the Meersbrook area of Sheffield.
The automated carts are designed to pick up food from takeaways and shops and deliver them to home addresses.
However, after just over a week, these futuristic delivery drones have already faced issue, as Uber Eats-branded buggies in Meersbrook have been found defaced on the side of the road.
.jpeg?crop=3:2,smart&trim=&width=640&quality=65)
The robots are covered in black spray paint, with the words ‘off our street’ daubed across the top.
Meanwhile attached flags that are meant to increase visibility have been snapped off.
One person on Facebook claims the now damaged robot crashed into their parked car, while another told The Star that people have been sticking gaffer tape to them.
When they were first launched, people raised concerns about how they would mean job losses for delivery drivers - though Starship argue that their machines are helping reduce carbon emissions.
Ahti Heinla, CEO and Co-founder of Starship, said: “Starship robots have been a much-loved part of daily life for communities across the UK since 2018: picking up shopping, dropping off essentials, there when people need them.
“Cutting out the short car trips that add up, our robots have already saved over 500,000 kg of emissions across Europe.
“We’re proud to bring that everyday convenience to 50 000 people in Sheffield, making robot deliveries just another normal part of the day.”