A recently published report by Prysm Global, produced for Starship Technologies (the largest operator of delivery robots in the world), explores the transformative potential of self-driving delivery robots for the UK economy. This has been widely covered in major outlets such as The Times and numerous local publications.
The study projects that a broad rollout of autonomous “personal delivery devices” could contribute approximately £1.3 billion in value to the UK over the next decade.
Key findings include:
- An estimated £125 million uplift in grocery spending, particularly benefiting “delivery deserts” (areas with limited access to delivery services)
- A productivity gain equivalent to 300,000 working hours saved
- The creation of hundreds of skilled jobs, with cumulative wages reaching millions of pounds
- Emphasis on the strongest impacts occurring in under‑served regions (such as Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire)
Beyond economic gains, the report highlights a broader societal shift: enabling more reasonable access to goods and services, especially for individuals facing mobility or logistical constraints.
However, the report also emphasises that releasing this technology, will depend strongly on regulatory clarity, particularly for low‑speed autonomous devices operating in pedestrian zones. View the full report here to learn more about logistics, local economies, and public policy
