DPD to use robot deliveries in 10 UK towns

Following a successful trial in Milton Keynes, DPD has announced that it will be using autonomous robots to make deliveries in 10 more UK towns over the next 12 months.

DPD is working with robotics company Cartken, who specialise in last mile delivery powered by AI.

The robots use cameras to navigate footpaths and deliver parcels in residential areas within a mile of the depot. The newest ones have three separate compartments for parcels and a battery life of up to 12 hours.

Credit: DPD

Parcel recipients are notified of a robot delivery and must confirm that they are home. The robot is then dispatched and is fully trackable as it makes its way.

The recipient accesses the compartment with a code. After closing it again, the robot will move on to the next delivery or return to the depot.

The initial trial in Milton Keynes was launched in July 2022 and saw the completion of more than 2,500 trips.

The first town to use robots as part of the expansion will be Raunds in Northamptonshire, operating from the Warth Park depot.

Source: DPD