Estonian Invention Becomes Part of the Finnish National Museum Collection

Text Timo Raussi
Photo Starship Technologies

The Finnish National Museum has expanded its collection with a delivery robot like the ones that have been transporting people’s grocery orders from shops to their homes on Finnish streets since 2022. The museum’s mission is to preserve objects that reflect changes in society and everyday life, so a food delivery robot, a drone, and even a dog’s LED collar are considered appropriate additions.

But did you know that the robot in question is of Estonian origin, and was developed by some of the same people who once created the internet calling software Skype? Ahti Heinla, who worked as a systems architect for the programme, took part in NASA’s Centennial Challenge technology and science competition in 2013. His idea was to develop a spherical rover suitable for Mars—a robot capable of exploration and collecting samples.

The vehicle never made it into space, but its technology found a practical application here on Earth. The year after the competition, Heinla presented the project to another Skype pioneer, Janus Friis, and together they founded the company Starship Technologies. The company, which originated in Estonia and now has its headquarters in San Francisco, develops delivery robots, sells them to major retail and logistics companies, and maintains the centralised platform used to manage their operations.

Moving at a top speed of about 6 km/h, the robots weigh 25 kilograms when empty and can carry loads of up to 9 kilograms. During a typical 18-hour operating day, a Starship robot can travel roughly 40 kilometres, and observes its surroundings using 12 cameras.

This story would not be complete without mentioning the connections to Finland that also deserve recognition. The robot’s design, often described as charming, was created by the Finnish design company Aivan, and Starship’s product development unit now operates in Finland. So perhaps it is fair to say: “Good for us!”, isn’t it?

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Finnish National Museum food delivery robot Innovation Skype Starship Technology