Evri has begun trialling two-legged, wheeled delivery robots in Barnsley, in partnership with Japanese technology firm Refined Robotics. The robots, which resemble a pair of the Wrong Trousers or Disney Pixar's bouncing lamp, are designed to carry parcels to customers' front doors.
The trial started this morning and could see the new robots join the existing fleet of four-wheeled units already used for deliveries. The robots can travel at speeds of up to four miles an hour (around six kilometres an hour) and can hop out of vans before delivering packages to homes.
Advanced suspension and sensors
Thanks to their "legs", the robots provide advanced suspension that allows them to carry parcels weighing up to 15kg, even up stairs. They are equipped with onboard sensors that enable autonomous operation, although they will be operated remotely during the trial.
Evri has called Barnsley "the UK's Tech Town" and a priority location for the trial. The company said the trial will primarily assess "how advanced robotics could complement Evri's existing delivery network and support its mission to be the most convenient way to send, receive and return parcels".
Not replacing human couriers
Evri will evaluate how the robots perform in residential environments and how they could support operational efficiency while maintaining customer service standards. The firm says humans will still need to complete most difficult delivery routes and carry packages across ground the robots cannot handle.
Nick Hafner, CEO of Refined Robotics, said the firm was inspired to develop the units after he saw an elderly driver carrying heavy parts up the stairs to his apartment during a heatwave. He said: "Our two-legged delivery robot has been specifically designed to tackle some of the most complex challenges in last-mile logistics. Its ability to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces and outdoor environments makes it uniquely suited to supporting parcel delivery operations in real-world settings. We're delighted to partner with Evri on Europe's first trial of the technology and look forward to understanding how robotics can complement existing delivery networks and support the future of parcel delivery."
Future of deliveries
Marcus Hunter, Chief Technology Officer at Evri Group, added: "At Evri, we're focused on giving customers more choice, convenience and control over how they receive their parcels. As the UK's leading parcel delivery company for delivery choice, we're continually exploring new technologies that can help us deliver even greater flexibility while maintaining the high-quality service our customers expect. Launching Europe's first trial of a two-legged delivery robot in Barnsley is an exciting milestone. Barnsley has built a reputation as a place where innovation thrives and new technologies can be tested in real-world environments. Our couriers remain at the heart of our business. We're committed to exploring how innovation can support them, improve operational efficiency and help us continue offering customers even more choice, convenience and control in the future."
How the trial pans out in Barnsley will guide how Evri proceeds with its new robots, with the company evaluating their performance in residential settings and their potential to complement its existing delivery network.
