Deliveroo to Deploy Delivery Robots in Britain, Citing Efficiency

Deliveroo is set to begin using food delivery robots in several British locations in the coming weeks, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and competing with rivals like Uber Eats and Just Eat. The company has partnered with U.S. tech firm Coco for the deployment of these four-wheeled, AI-navigated robots.

The initial rollout will occur in Canary Wharf, east London, and the towns of Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Nottingham, areas where local councils have already permitted robot deliveries. Deliveroo is actively seeking approval from other councils and the Department for Transport to expand the service more broadly across Britain.

Despite the introduction of automated couriers, Deliveroo's Chief Executive Miki Kuusi stated that the robots are not intended to replace human delivery personnel. "This is not about replacing people," Kuusi said, adding that human riders will remain essential, particularly for deliveries in dense urban areas and during peak times. He explained that the optimal strategy involves a balanced fleet, as a large number of autonomous vehicles might be underutilized during off-peak hours.

Competitors such as Just Eat are also exploring automation, with Just Eat already utilizing robots from tech firm Starship for food deliveries in some regions. The introduction of delivery robots has not been without criticism. In July, the walking charity Living Streets raised concerns that these robots could pose safety and accessibility issues on pavements for the elderly and disabled, arguing that pavements should not be used as logistics routes.

Deliveroo's chief executive countered these concerns by suggesting that the robots integrate well into urban environments. He highlighted the energy efficiency and low hardware costs associated with the robots, which he believes can make the service more affordable. A plastic box on wheels is incredibly energy-efficient, the hardware can be very low-cost, and that ultimately makes the service a lot more affordable.

Deliveroo, founded in 2013 by Will Shu and Greg Orlowski, has faced scrutiny in the past regarding its use of the gig economy model. The company has also addressed concerns about illegal working on its platform. A spokesperson stated that Deliveroo has a zero-tolerance policy for illegal work and requires all riders to verify their Right to Work documents during onboarding. Riders are classified as self-employed, meaning they do not receive benefits such as sick pay or pension contributions.