Jack Loughran Fri 4 Apr 2025
Collected at: https://eandt.theiet.org/2025/04/04/evri-trial-ai-powered-robot-delivery-dog-bid-speed-service
Delivery service Evri has confirmed it will trial an autonomous robot delivery dog later this year that will work with human staff to cut delivery times.
The four-legged robot dog will be able to hop in and out of the courier’s van as it makes its way to and from homes delivering parcels, taking out some of the leg work for the courier.
The device was developed by Swiss firm RIVR, and the focus of the trial is to gain insight into how the robot dogs can work with couriers to improve efficiency support with some of the more strenuous parts of the job. They can be deployed 24 hours a day, allowing for night-time deliveries or on-demand services with designated time slots for consumers.
The robots are equipped with AI-powered navigation and obstacle detection that allow them to determine the most efficient routes while being able to tackle stairs and extreme weather conditions.
In October, Evri was named Britain’s worst-performing parcel delivery company for the second year running. Nearly half of its customers reported issues with the firm, with common complaints including delays, parcels left in incorrect locations and delivery drivers failing to adequately notify recipients by knocking or ringing doorbells.
The firm was previously named Hermes, which was also found to be one of the UK’s worst-performing delivery firms alongside Yodel.
Marcus Hunter, Evri’s chief technology officer, said: “Couriers always have and always will be the heart of our business. Robots will never replace them, but we are dedicated to finding new and innovative methods to support our couriers and increase the speed and convenience of the services we offer.
“In this next stage of innovation, we are thrilled to introduce both these robot delivery trials, which could provide increased flexibility and choice for consumers.”
The trial will be initially limited to customers within range of the Barnsley Business Innovation Centre north of Sheffield. Residents on specific streets will have the option to have all their parcels delivered via the robots for the three-month trial.
Last month it was revealed that the Sellafield nuclear plant, which is being decommissioned, was experimenting with using remote-controlled robot dogs to speed up the process.
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