Evri has launched Europe’s first trial of a two-legged autonomous delivery robot, bringing next-generation robotics technology to 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, enhance customer choice and help shape the future of parcel delivery. With the UK having the third largest ecommerce market in the world after China and the US, Barnsley as the UK’s Tech Town has been identified as a priority location for the trial.
The initiative forms part of Evri’s continued investment in innovation and technology as the business explores new ways to provide customers with greater flexibility and convenience in how they send, receive and return parcels. The trial will assess how advanced robotics could complement Evri’s existing delivery network and support its mission to be the most convenient way to send, receive and return parcels.
The two-legged robot has been designed specifically for outdoor last-mile deliveries. It can carry parcels weighing up to 15kg, travel at speeds of up to 6km/h and navigate real-world environments that can be challenging for traditional autonomous technologies, including climbing stairs, traversing uneven surfaces and entering and exiting delivery vans.
The robot can operate autonomously or be remotely monitored and is capable of both attended and unattended deliveries to help ensure consumers never miss a parcel. Throughout the trial, Evri will evaluate how the technology performs in residential environments and how it could support operational efficiency while maintaining the high levels of service customers expect.
The project builds on Evri’s long-standing commitment to giving customers more choice and control over how they receive parcels. Today, customers can choose from home delivery, ParcelShops, lockers, safe places and neighbour delivery options, as well as set and save delivery preferences that fit around their lifestyles. Insights gathered from the trial will help Evri explore how emerging technologies could further enhance convenience and flexibility in the future.
Building on its status as the UK’s first government-backed Tech Town, the trial reinforces Barnsley’s reputation as a leading destination for practical innovation.
Marcus Hunter, chief technology officer at Evri Group, said: “At Evri, we’re focused on giving customers more choice, convenience and control over how they receive their parcels. As the UK’s leading parcel delivery company for delivery choice, we’re continually exploring new technologies that can help us deliver even greater flexibility while maintaining the high-quality service our customers expect.
“Launching Europe’s first trial of a two-legged delivery robot in Barnsley is an exciting milestone. Barnsley has built a reputation as a place where innovation thrives and new technologies can be tested in real-world environments.
“Our couriers remain at the heart of our business. We’re committed to exploring how innovation can support them, improve operational efficiency and help us continue offering customers even more choice, convenience and control in the future.”
Nick Hafner CEO at Refined Robotics, said: “Our two-legged delivery robot has been specifically designed to tackle some of the most complex challenges in last-mile logistics. Its ability to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces and outdoor environments makes it uniquely suited to supporting parcel delivery operations in real-world settings.”
“We’re delighted to partner with Evri on Europe’s first trial of the technology and look forward to understanding how robotics can complement existing delivery networks and support the future of parcel delivery.”
