Meet the autonomous Esky

The self-driving Esky is around the corner.

A British start-up has paired with Mercedes-Benz to deliver a transport solution that promises to put an end to conventional courier services by using cute robots to deliver packages in urban areas.

And it could be coming to Australia soon.

Starship's aim is to use compact cooler-sized creations with electric motors and self-driving technology to price conventional delivery drivers out of the market. Speaking with Drive at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Starship spokesman Henry Harris-Burland says the compact machines should be able to deliver packages over distances of up to three kilometres for around $1.50 per delivery.

The machine uses sophisticated sensors and mapping information to trundle along footpaths at walking pace before alerting customers to its presence.

Users will be able to track their package's progress online, and order up deliveries as it suits them. The machine is capable of carrying a 10 kilogram parcel inside a secure compartment that is watertight and capable of keeping goods hot or cool.

The machines work in tandem with Mercedes-Benz "mothership" Sprinter vans fitted-out with special storage compartments for up to six robots and more than 50 parcels.

Harris-Burland says that "convenience and cost-efficiency" are the key drivers behind the program, which could make an appearance locally in the near future.

"This is a working prototype that we will be testing in the near future," he says.

"While we can't say who, we are in discussions with a company in Australia at the moment."

Starship isn't the only outfit to experiment with autonomous delivery techniques, as other companies are well underway with trials of self-sufficient delivery drones.