Robots are rolling out across the area after the success of a six-month trial to use them in some parts of Sale and Timperley.

The robots, or Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs), are the idea of Starship Technologies, a firm founded by Skype's Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis.

In 2022, Starship Technologies approached Trafford Council for approval of a six-month trial to use them in some parts of Sale and Timperley.

The PDDs were let loose this year at the Co-Op supermarkets on Coppice Avenue and Washway Road.

On Monday, the Trafford Council executive heard how the scheme was a success after thousands of residents were served and around a tonne of carbon dioxide was saved from the atmosphere as a result of a reduction in the use of vehicles. The energy used by a device on a delivery is said to be the equivalent of the energy used by a kettle on a cup of tea.

The executive approved its extension at the Co-Op supermarkets on Coppice Avenue and Washway Road and its expansion to others on Cross Street, Sale, Stockport Road, Timperley, Ambleside Road, Urmston and Woodsend Road, Urmston.

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♬ The Robots (2009 Remaster) - Kraftwerk

Stephen Adshead, executive member for environmental services, said: "I am delighted we decided to extend this trial by six months and to roll out the scheme.

"Trafford Council is totally committed to helping the environment and reducing our carbon emissions and the robots could well contribute towards those aims. 

"The robots are reducing thousands of car journeys and are cutting emissions. They also come to the aid of the disabled and the elderly who find it difficult to get to their shops by bringing the items to their doors. 

"We are excited to be working with the Co-Op and Starship Technologies to extend this initiative."

Residents arrange their deliveries on an app, which also allows them to track and to unlock the robots. The robots travel on pavements and use sensors to avoid obstacles, although there is a control centre too.

For information, search Starship Technologies on social media or go to starship.xyz.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.