Deliveroo Deploys UK Robots
Deliveroo plans autonomous robot deliveries in five UK locations after local authority approval.
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Coco’s robots travel at roughly walking pace and use sensors, cameras and AI navigation to move along pavements.
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Deliveroo chief executive Miki Kuusi described the rollout as incremental, saying the number of robots would grow as the technology improved.
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Deliveroo is also trialling airborne drone deliveries in Dublin; Just Eat uses Starship robot couriers in some parts of Britain.
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Deliveroo was acquired by DoorDash last year in a £2.9 billion takeover. Kuusi has since pursued more affordable ordering and grocery expansion, including a partnership with Aldi announced on 24 September.
Deliveroo is bringing autonomous delivery robots to UK pavements, starting in Canary Wharf this month and expanding to Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Nottingham. RTT News reports the partnership with American robot maker Coco Robotics marks the food delivery platform's first robot rollout in Britain, following its 2023 acquisition by DoorDash for £2.9 billion.
Chief executive Miki Kuusi says the four-wheeled robots will complement human couriers during busy periods rather than replace them. The Next Web reports the robots travel at walking pace and use cameras, sensors, and AI navigation to move safely along pavements. Local authorities in all five towns have already approved the service.
How the Robots Navigate Britain's Streets
Coco's robots are four-wheeled machines that operate at roughly walking speed. They use onboard sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to avoid obstacles and navigate crowded pavements safely. Grafa notes the rollout begins in Canary Wharf, London, this October as the initial pilot site.
Deliveroo aims to grow the robot fleet gradually as the technology improves and local authorities grant permission. Kuusi described the expansion as incremental, meaning the company will test performance carefully before scaling up across more British towns.
Rivals Race to Automate Delivery Routes
Deliveroo is not alone in chasing robot delivery. RTT News reports that Just Eat already uses Starship robot couriers in parts of Britain, while Deliveroo itself is testing airborne drone deliveries in Dublin. The food delivery market sees automation as key to cutting costs and speeding up service.
DoorDash's acquisition of Deliveroo last year opened new avenues for technology investment. Under Kuusi's leadership, the platform has also pursued grocery expansion, including a partnership with Aldi announced in September 2024.
Pavement Safety and Accessibility Concerns Emerge
Pedestrian advocates worry the robots could create hazards on crowded UK pavements. The Next Web reports concerns about accessibility for disabled users and risks to children and older people navigating shared spaces with machines.
Deliveroo argues the robots will boost delivery efficiency and reduce congestion from human couriers. The company says the technology is designed with safety as the primary focus, though the debate over pavement robots continues among disability groups and local councils.
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