One of the UK’s largest parcel delivery companies, Evri, has launched a trial of a two-legged delivery robot in Barnsley to assess how the technology can assist its final mile deliveries. Final mile deliveries are the last step of the supply chain and shipping process, when the goods are delivered directly the end customer’s doorstep.
The robot can carry parcels weighing up to 15kg, travel at speeds of up to 6km/hr and navigate environments that present a challenge for traditional autonomous technologies, such as stairs, uneven surfaces and entering and exiting delivery vans. It can operate autonomously or be remotely monitored and is capable of both attended and unattended deliveries.
The trial, in partnership with Japan-based Refined Robotics, will explore how advanced robotics can support couriers, enhance customer choice and help shape the future of parcel delivery. Barnsley was the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, making it a perfect location for the trial - reinforces the towns reputation as a leading destination for practical innovation.
Marcus Hunter, CTO at Evri Group, said that while couriers remain at the heart of their business, Evri is committed to exploring how innovation can support them, improve operational efficiency and offer customers more choice and convenience. Nick Hafner CEO at Refined Robotics, said that the two-legged delivery robot has been designed to tackle some of the most complex challenges in last-mile logistics.
However, a package by BBC journalist Jess Grieveson-Smith on Wednesday 30 September showed the Evri delivery robot falling over during it’s first day, with Hafner commenting that it is just a “prototype” and “hiccups are to be expected”.