Autonomous delivery robots are set to be trialled in Nottingham as part of a partnership between Deliveroo and Coco Robotics.
The companies said the rollout will begin in Canary Wharf, London, this October, before expanding to Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Leeds and Stockton-on-Tees over the coming weeks and months.
Walking-pace pavement robots
The trial will mark Coco Robotics’ entry into the UK and the first time Deliveroo has used autonomous delivery vehicles in the country.
Coco’s fully electric robots are designed to travel at walking pace on pavements and carry food and other orders directly to customers. Deliveroo said its existing rider network would continue to fulfil most orders, with the robots providing an additional option for shorter journeys.
The companies said the service could give restaurants and shops additional delivery capacity. Coco also plans to invest in UK depots and charging facilities, alongside jobs in operations, maintenance and logistics.
Data collected by the robots about pavement hazards can be shared with accessibility app BlindSquare, which provides alerts about obstacles to blind and partially sighted pedestrians.
Nottingham pilot details yet to be confirmed
Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward welcomed Nottingham’s inclusion, saying: “Coco Robotics’ UK launch is an excellent opportunity to bring new technology into the region, and we are delighted that Nottingham will host a pilot scheme.”
Deliveroo chief executive Miki Kuusi said autonomous delivery could bring “more flexibility” to its delivery network and help local restaurants and shops meet consumer demand.
Coco Robotics co-founder and chief executive Zach Rash said the company was “thrilled” to be launching in the UK with Deliveroo, adding that it wanted to provide businesses with “another reliable delivery option”.
The announcement did not specify a launch date, operating area or the number of robots planned for Nottingham.