The future of last-mile delivery may have four legs and no fur. Evri, the UK’s biggest dedicated parcel delivery company, is gearing up to launch a robot dog delivery trial, marking a first for the country. Set to roll out this summer, the autonomous robo-dog will tag along with human couriers, hopping in and out of vans to help drop off packages and lighten the load. It’s not here to replace people—just to lend a mechanical paw.
“Couriers always have and always will be the heart of our business,” said Marcus Hunter, Chief Technology Officer at Evri. “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.”
The robot dog was developed by RIVR, a Swiss company focused on physical AI. The goal is to see how these robots can help couriers with some of the tougher parts of the job—like heavy lifting and long walks to doorsteps.
But the robot dog isn’t the only futuristic helper joining the Evri team. A small, electric delivery robot—developed by Delivers AI—will also start making rounds this summer in Barnsley. Residents on selected streets will be able to sign up to have all their parcels delivered by the robot during a three-month pilot program.
These robots can operate 24 hours a day, meaning evening or on-demand deliveries could be possible. They may also be useful for customers who need more time to get to the door. Evri says it hopes to learn even more benefits from the trial once it gets going.
The robots won’t just be working—they’ll also be heading to local schools. Evri plans to give kids a chance to meet the robot dog and even help name it.
“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the trial run for this programme in Barnsley,” said Councillor Robin Franklin. “This is an amazing piece of innovation that could revolutionize home deliveries and we wish Evri the best of luck with the trial.”
