Uber is expanding its automation strategy in a major way, announcing a new partnership with Starship Technologies to launch autonomous robot deliveries in the United Kingdom beginning in December. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it accelerates its vision of integrating robotic systems into its global delivery network.

Robot Deliveries Coming First to Leeds and Sheffield

Under the new partnership, customers using Uber Eats in the Leeds and Sheffield regions will soon be able to receive food orders delivered directly by Starship’s compact, six-wheeled autonomous robots. These sidewalk-operating robots have already been deployed in several cities around the world and are known for their reliability, safety features, and ability to navigate complex urban environments.

Uber said the UK rollout is only the beginning, with plans to extend robot delivery services into additional European markets in 2026 and the United States in 2027, aligning with its long-term automation strategy.

Part of Uber’s Broader Push Into Autonomous Delivery

The collaboration with Starship is the latest in a series of strategic alliances Uber has formed to advance automation within its delivery ecosystem. The company already works with Avride and Serve Robotics in the United States to deploy robotic delivery vehicles across select metropolitan areas.

By integrating advanced robotics into its delivery platform, Uber aims to lower operational costs, increase delivery efficiency, and strengthen its competitive position in the rapidly evolving last-mile logistics market.

Starship Robots to Operate at Level 4 Autonomy

The robots developed by San Francisco-based Starship Technologies will operate with Level 4 autonomy, meaning the robots can function without real-time human intervention within a well-defined geographic zone. This high degree of automation allows for scalable deployment while maintaining safety and operational precision.

Starship’s robots rely on multiple sensors, cameras, GPS systems, and machine learning algorithms to navigate sidewalks, avoid obstacles, and ensure timely delivery of food orders.