Milton Keynes College and Starship Technologies have launched a first-of-its-kind campaign to promote university-level courses to local learners using the city’s much-loved autonomous delivery robots.
The campaign will see autonomous delivery robots carry Milton Keynes College’s campaign artwork as part of a city-wide rollout. Starship’s six-wheeled robots are best known for delivering local Co-Op orders to MK residents’ doorsteps. The battery-powered droids can make a delivery using as little energy as it takes to boil a kettle. They have industry-leading Level 4 autonomy, meaning they operate without human intervention 99 per cent of the time.
For people in Milton Keynes, the robots are a part of everyday life. Starship has been serving people across the UK since 2018, when the company launched its first commercial delivery service in Milton Keynes. When Milton Keynes launched its successful campaign to be recognised as a city in 2021, the robots delivered the official bid to Buckingham Palace. Now, they are delivering something different.
The new campaign uses the robots as moving billboards, carrying Milton Keynes College’s message through the same communities they serve every day. The campaign has been designed to reach people who are thinking about their next step after Level 3 courses (broadly equivalent to A Level), looking for a local route into university level study or considering a career change.
The campaign also taps into one of Milton Keynes’ most recognisable local features. The artwork includes a bird’s-eye view of Milton Keynes roads, with a playful nod to the city’s famous roundabouts layered into the campaign design.
Laura Black, Group Director for Adults, HE and South Central Institute of Technology at Milton Keynes College Group says, “We’re very excited about this innovative new campaign, which will help to raise awareness of the fantastic university level courses available at Milton Keynes College. We offer a wide range of university level courses, including our new degrees validated by The Open University, higher level apprenticeships and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNC). Studying a university level course with Milton Keynes College allows students to benefit from expert tutors, excellent facilities and lower fees than most universities. So, do give the robots a wave if you see them, and visit our website if you’re interested in taking your learning to the next level at Milton Keynes College.”
Lisa Johnson, Vice President for Starship Technologies says, “We love Milton Keynes – it’s our robots’ first home in the UK. We’re always on the lookout for things we can do to help MK organisations. We’re chuffed to bring Milton Keynes College’s message on university level study to local people. It’s a great partnership that suits our robots very well – they’ve never looked so stylish.”
The Milton Keynes College-branded Starship robots will operate across Milton Keynes as part of the existing delivery service until later this year.
Find out more about Milton Keynes College here.
