UK courier company Evri is set to trial a four-legged robot delivery assistant this summer. Developed by Swiss AI firm RIVR, the robot will work alongside couriers, hopping in and out of vans to assist with parcel deliveries. The trial assesses how automation can support couriers in physically demanding tasks while improving operational efficiency.
Evri is also testing a compact electric delivery robot in Barnsley, developed by Delivers AI. The small autonomous vehicle will operate from the Barnsley Business Innovation Centre, working with local couriers for a three-month trial. Residents on selected streets in Barnsley can opt-in via a dedicated website to receive deliveries from the robots, which can operate 24/7, enabling nighttime and on-demand services.
The company emphasised that automation will not replace human couriers but is being explored to enhance service speed, convenience, and accessibility.
