If you've found yourself wandering around Adel and Tinshill over the past few months, you might have spotted these robots pacing their way around the suburbs.
Starship Technologies has been working with Leeds City Council to offer an alternative delivery option to the city - and the tiny robots taking groceries from Co-op to homes has caught the attention of Leeds and beyond.
And after three months of trialling the service, ITV News reports that the robots "may be extended after a survey showed 72% positive feedback from residents".
In an interview with the national broadcaster, Ben Jackson, a team leader at the Co-op in Adel said the people loved the robots so much that they received Christmas cards for them, and "[they]'re getting a lot of families taking pictures with their children".
It doesn't seem as if the novelty of watching a white robot pace down the road has worn off at all - and there still seems to be plenty of the Starship robots spotted around the suburbs even after the official trial date came to a close on Saturday 4 March 2023.
What on earth are these robots?
But how exactly does the delivery service work? Well, it’s actually pretty simple – first, you’ll get to choose from a wide range of Co-op grocery items, then pick a delivery time from the schedule, before “dropping a pin” to show where you want the delivery to be sent and watching the robot travel in real-time on an interactive map.
You’ll receive an alert when it arrives, and you can then meet and unlock the robot’s lid through the app to retrieve your shopping.
It’s already being dubbed a “quick and convenient” way to serve the community.
Starship’s robots are battery-powered, lightweight, and travel at the speed of a pedestrian.
They use a combination of sensors, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to travel on pavements and navigate around any obstacles, while their computer vision-based navigation helps them map their environment to the nearest inch.
Co-op’s partnership with Starship Technologies and Trafford Council will soon see the robots come to Greater Manchester too. / Credit: Starship Technologies
Following on from trials in Leeds, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Cambridge, it was also announced this week that Greater Manchester would be introduced to the delivery service too.
As women around the world swoon over Jacob Elordi, he's too busy loving rocks and sheep.
In case you haven't been on social media over the past week and managed to avoid the influx of paparazzi images, the hotly anticipated 'Wuthering Heights' adaptation is out soon and with that comes heaps of red carpets, screenings and glamorous premieres.
Famously set against the brooding hills of Yorkshire, Wuthering Heights by our very own Emily Brontë follows the tumultuous love story of Heathcliff and Cathy.
Played in the upcoming film by Australian heartthrobs Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie.
During the recent London premiere where Elordi was seen wearing a rather dashing green three piece, the stars were asked what they thought the 'sexiest' thing about Yorkshire is by HitsRadioUK.
A valid question to which Jacob replies "rocks and sheep". I mean, he's got a fair point.
Margot Robbie went into a little more detail, she said "Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience. The sky is literally like red and orange. I honestly couldn't believe it when I was out there. The landscape is stunning."
Why thank you Margot, we absolutely agree. She continues to shower us with compliments stating that the "People are lovely. Pubs are great. I love it"
It seems like Margot has got Yorkshire pretty bang on there, and if she ever needs any pub recommendations then we'll absolutely help her out.
Jacob on the other hand, we know rocks and sheep are sexy but...have you ever met us?
Hopefully he fell in love with our county enough to come back, as we wouldn't mind bumping into him on a hike up the Yorkshire moors.
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Clementine Hall
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Sophie Smith -
17th March 2023 
