They may be based on Space technology, but these small starship robots could soon be making deliveries across Hertfordshire . . .

The autonomous robots – which can carry the equivalent of two shopping bags – are already in use in a small number of areas across the UK.

And before the end of the year, they could be spotted on pavements in Hertfordshire – ready for the delivery of takeaways, groceries or other items.

They have already been showcased to members of Hertfordshire County Council, which is Hertfordshire's highways authority.

And within weeks, councillors will be asked to decide whether to give the go-ahead to the trial of their use in the county.

The council's director of transport, Rupert Thacker, says the use of the robots – which are operated by Starship Technologies – could reduce car journeys and cut emissions, as well as increasing independence for those who can't get out.

And he suggests it's an opportunity that Hertfordshire County Council would like to explore.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a forward-thinking initiative," said Mr Thacker.

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"Places like Hertfordshire should be looking to maximise these opportunities."

The level four autonomous robots – initially designed as an entry for a NASA competition – are fitted with a series of cameras and sensors.

And they are designed to make their delivery journeys around a network of pavements.

When they need to, they will cross roads independently – waiting for a 'green man' or even asking a passer-by to press the button on a pedestrian crossing, if required.

And if their sensors pick up a pedestrian or animal moving too closely towards them, they will move or stop.

The robots are already operating in a number of areas across the UK – including Milton Keynes, Northamptonshire, Leeds, Greater Manchester, Wakefield, Barnsley and Cambridgeshire.

And Starship Technologies officials say that where they have been introduced, people have "really embraced them".

Taking the opportunity to see the robot at first-hand during a visit to the county council campus in Stevenage were a number of county councillors.

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Executive member for environment, transport and growth, Cllr Paul Zukowskyj, said he was "positive" about the idea and "intrigued" to see how it was going to work.

"I think it's a really innovative idea, " said Cllr Zukowskyj (Liberal Democrat, Hatfield South).

"I know it's working well in Milton Keynes and people are really positive about it there."

And the council's executive member for sustainability, Cllr Adrian England (Liberal Democrat, Hemel Hempstead Town), suggested that it was "really clever".