Knee-high robots that deliver shopping see surge in popularity in Milton Keynes (and they work an 80-hour week) (4 Pics)

 fleet of knee-high robots that deliver shopping in Milton Keynes have seen a surge in popularity during the coronavirus lockdown.

The machines have been working flat out as they race around the Buckinghamshire town's streets bringing essentials to members of the public. They have also started delivering to NHS workers for free.

The group of robots, big enough to carry several bags of shopping, has been doubled to 70 over the last three weeks in response to demand, operator Starship said. 

The fleet of robots has been doubled to 70 in the past three weeks in response to demand

The robots are loaded up with shopping before taking it to a member of the public's home

'As of now we are offering free delivery to all NHS workers within the community,' said owner Henry Harris-Burland.

'We want to make life a little bit easier for these people in these very, very stressful times.'

'Lots of them are doing ... 80-hour weeks and they don't have time to go to the local grocery store, so they use our robots for their shopping. We're honoured that we can be part of that solution.'

Mr Harris-Burland confirmed the company is also looking at plans to expand its online delivery service, although this isn't yet available. 

The machines look like small white plastic boxes mounted on six wheels as they trundle through the town.

Each is also kitted out with a bright orange flag to make them easier to spot for motorists and walkers in the area. 

They have been operating in the Buckinghamshire town for years before the surge in popularity

Two robots are pictured above travelling through the streets of Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes residents order from the robots by downloading an app and typing in whether they want parcels, groceries or take-aways delivered.

The robots will then head out to the customer, which must be within a four-mile radius of the business they have requested goods from. Their location is tracked to let recipients know when goods will arrive.

When the machine arrives, the customer then scans in their app to unlock it and retrieve their goods. 

Its owner, Henry Harris-Burland, said they had completed a whopping 100,000 deliveries since April 2018.

The delivery service was opened five years ago by co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis. Today, it operates across several cities in the world and is headquartered in San Francisco.