Courier company DPD has confirmed plans to expand its autonomous robot fleet across 10 UK towns and cities over the next year.
The news extends DPD’s relationship with AI-powered robotics and last mile delivery provider, Cartken.
In addition, DPD has identified nearly 30 UK depot locations which could potentially deploy robots.
DPD first introduced the Cartken robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022 and they have since travelled almost 500 miles and performed more than 2,500 trips delivering parcels to DPD customers.
Based at DPD’s depot at Warth Park on the western edge of Raunds, the robots will deliver to nearby residential areas within a mile of the depot, through the existing network of footpaths.
Delivery recipients will be notified of a robot delivery in advance, and once they confirm that they are at home to accept the parcel, the robot will be dispatched.
DPD has worked closely with North Northamptonshire Council on the introduction of the robots in Raunds.
Cllr Graham Lawman, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets, said: “We are delighted that DPD is introducing delivery robots in Raunds. The council is committed to the environment and supporting clean and green alternatives to traditional forms of transport to reduce emissions. It is great to be able to help bring this innovation to North Northamptonshire.”
