Delivery firm Evri has launched a trial of wheeled, two-legged autonomous delivery robots in Barnsley, the UK’s first government-backed ‘Tech Town’.
The trial, in partnership with Japan-based Refined Robotics, will explore how advanced robotics can support couriers in parcel delivery.
The robots will be used for what is known as last-mile delivery – the final step of the shipping process when the parcel is in the recipient’s neighbourhood and has to be delivered to their doorstep.
Carrying parcels weighing up to 15kg and travelling at speeds of up to 6km/h, the four-foot-tall robots are able to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces and outdoor environments. Its two articulated legs with wheels at the feet mean the robot can roll when conditions allow and then use its legged architecture when greater mobility is needed, such as stepping off the pavement.
The robot can operate autonomously or be remotely monitored and is capable of both attended and unattended deliveries.
Throughout the trial...