Innovation of the Week is a series highlighting retail initiatives that have caught the eye of our team. Every week, we bring you new ideas and case studies across consumer, technology, sustainability, economy, policy and industry.
What is it?
In what Evri has labelled a “UK industry-first”, the robotic dog will work in partnership with a courier for parcel deliveries during a two-week trial in Morley, North Leeds.
The robot dog can hop in and out of the courier’s van and make its way to and from homes to deliver packages.
The parcels will be loaded by the courier and placed in the dog’s mouth at the chosen drop-off point.
The dog is powered by general physical AI and uses simulation and real-world data to function. It features cameras, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and advanced perception systems to navigate safely around humans, cyclists, and wheelie bins and can instantly stop in emergencies.
Those training the dog have developed algorithms and game-like training worlds to mimic reality and teach the dog to execute mobility, manipulation, and autonomy tasks in a short period of time.
Why does it matter?
The trial aims to gain insight into how the robot dogs can work with couriers to “improve efficiency support” with some of the more labour-intensive parts of the job.
The two-week trial is one of several trials Evri is rolling out as it looks at the future of parcel delivery.
The goal is to give support to couriers and come up with solutions that can work alongside its delivery offering with couriers..
A small and light electric vehicle robot, developed by a company called “Delivers AI”, is planned to be trialled in September for at least three months in Barnsley.
Residents in that area can opt to have all their Evri parcels delivered via these robots during the trial through a dedicated website.
These 24-hour operational robots can work on night deliveries and support customers who need more time to answer the door.
Strategic implications
Evri said it expects to “uncover unexpected benefits as part of the trial”.
With the firm aiming to reach net zero by 2035, these robots can support and develop this goal through more sustainable deliveries.
RIVR chief executive Marko Bjelonic said the deployment marks a “major milestone” for the future of last-mile delivery in the UK.
“By bringing autonomous doorstep delivery robots into live operations, we’re demonstrating how technology can ease the burden on couriers, enhance delivery efficiency, and raise the bar for customer experience,” said Bjelonic.
Evri chief technology officer Marcus Hunter 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 Milo the robotic delivery dog and we’re excited to see the trial get underway and see what we learn. We hope innovative ideas like this will complement our service offering and provide increased flexibility and choice for consumers.”
Winning strategies
- Sustainability initiatives
- Focus on operational efficiency
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