Scout rolls out: Amazon tests delivery robots near Seattle

Amazon is bringing delivery robots to the streets of a Seattle suburb.

The online shopping giant says it started to test self-driving robots in Snohomish County, Wash., Wednesday that can bring Amazon packages to shoppers' doorsteps.

The robots are light blue, about the size of a Labrador, have six wheels and the Amazon smile logo stamped on its side, according to Amazon photos and videos. Six of them will be roaming the sidewalks of a Snohomish County neighbourhood Monday through Friday during daylight hours.

They move roughly "at a walking pace," according to a statement from the company.

Amazon said a worker will accompany the robots at first, but it didn't provide additional details of how the service would work. The company did not respond to questions from the Associated Press about the test.

Several companies have been testing similar delivery robots on college campuses that deliver fast food or snacks to students.

Amazon said its robot, which it is calling Scout, can navigate around pets, pedestrians and "anything else in their path."