On 1 April 2025, in what might one might have been forgiven for considering an April Fool’s prank, parcel delivery firm Evri announced the launch of its new ‘robotic delivery dog’. However, more details have emerged today [2 April] about what is a very real initiative.
Later this year, Evri will be trialling the use of an autonomous robot delivery dog. The trial, which will begin in the summer, will see a robotic dog work in partnership with a courier to deliver parcels.
The autonomous canine, developed by RIVR – a physical AI company aiming to ‘revolutionise last-mile delivery’, will reportedly ‘be able to hop in and out of the courier’s van as it makes its way to and from homes delivering parcels and taking some of the leg work out for the courier’.
This is not the only last-mile delivery robot Evri will be trialling this year. The company has confirmed that it will be conducting several trials aimed at supporting couriers and ‘developing solutions that will complement its delivery offering alongside couriers’.
One such trail involves ‘a small and light EV robot’ developed by Delivers AI, which is due to deliver parcels on a daily basis, operating out of Barnsley Business Innovation Centre in Yorkshire.
It explains that ‘residents on a chosen streets in Barnsley will have the option to have all their parcels delivered by these robots for the three-month trial’.
Amongst the benefits of these robots are the ability to be deployed all throughout the day and night, and the opportunity to support consumers who might need more time to get to the door.
Cllr Robin Franklin, Barnsley Council’s cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the trial run for this programme in Barnsley, which aligns with the ambition in our new Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to become the UK’s leading digital town.
“This is an amazing piece of innovation that could revolutionise home deliveries and we wish Evri the best of luck with the trial.”
In reference to these upcoming trials, Marcus Hunter, chief technology officer at Evri, said: “Couriers always have and always will be the heart of our business. 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.
“In this next stage of innovation, we are thrilled to introduce both these robot delivery trials, which could provide increased flexibility and choice for consumers.”
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