Evri launches Europe's first two-legged delivery robot trial in Barnsley
British parcel firm Evri has begun Europe's first trial of a two-legged delivery robot in Barnsley, working with Japan's Refined Robotics. The robot climbs stairs, carries up to 15kg and is meant to assist couriers rather than replace them.
The robot has no official name. Evri chief technology officer Marcus Hunter said it is designed to give customers "more choice, convenience and control over how they receive their parcels."
Most delivery robots deployed so far resemble cool boxes running on wheels. The bipedal design of the new machine allows it to work around obstacles and climb stairs when needed, the company said. It can travel at speeds of up to 6 kph (3.7 mph) and carry parcels weighing up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds).
During the pilot, the robot is intended to act as a support for couriers rather than deliver on its own. It cannot drive a van. Evri says the machine can handle uneven surfaces and get in and out of a delivery van, and that it can be remotely controlled or operate autonomously depending on the situation. It can drop off parcels whether or not the recipient is present.
At this early stage the robot is delivering "fashion parcels", according to the BBC, so that nothing fragile is at risk if the machine falls at the kerbside.
There is no word yet on whether or when the service might be expanded. Evri said it will evaluate all aspects of the trial to determine what works and what does not, and how robots might ultimately be most useful to customers and couriers.
Refined Robotics chief executive Nick Hafner said the two-legged robot "has been specifically designed to tackle some of the most complex challenges in last-mile logistics," and that the company looks forward to understanding how robotics can complement existing delivery networks and support the future of parcel delivery.