UK parcel delivery firm, Evri, has teamed up with a US robotics company to test four-legged autonomous deliveries in real neighbourhoods, starting in Barnsley.
The Future at Your Front Door?
The initiative, launched in partnership with US robotics firm Boston Dynamics, is testing the use of autonomous robotic dogs to support last-mile delivery operations in real residential environments.
Spot
The robot (named “Spot”) is already well-known in the tech world for its advanced mobility and has previously been used in industries ranging from construction to defence. However, it’s been reconfigured in this case to tackle the ever-growing demands of urban parcel delivery. With this unusual trial, Evri has become the first UK parcel company to experiment with robotic dog deliveries, thereby showing how the “last mile” of logistics might look in years to come, and getting some positive headlines and visibility for Evri in the process.
Why Now and Why Barnsley?
The trial is one of the ways, among ongoing pressures in the delivery industry, to find more sustainable, efficient and scalable solutions, especially for the all-important last-mile stretch that gets parcels from a depot to a customer’s door. This final leg is often the most complex and costly part of the delivery chain, with challenges including traffic congestion, failed deliveries, limited parking, and high labour demands.
The trial also follows Evri’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year, which included a retrospective look at how delivery and consumer habits have changed over the past five decades. As part of the campaign, Evri surveyed the public on what they thought the future of delivery might look like. Interestingly, only 16 per cent of respondents believed robots would eventually be delivering their parcels, yet for some customers in Barnsley, that prediction is already becoming a reality.
According to Evri, the move is part of a broader strategy to future-proof its operations through smart, scalable automation. Speaking about the initiative, Marcus Hunter, Chief Technology Officer at Evri, said: “We’re constantly looking for ways to innovate, and the trial with Spot is one of several projects focused on testing new technologies that could support our couriers and enhance service levels. It’s about being ready for the future—not replacing people, but giving them new tools.”
Barnsley was selected for the pilot due to its mixed urban and residential layout, making it an ideal testing ground for the robot’s capabilities. It also aligns with Barnsley Council’s ambitions to position the town as a testbed for innovation and emerging tech.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “This trial puts Barnsley on the map when it comes to cutting-edge innovation. We’re proud to support projects that explore how technology can improve everyday life for our residents while supporting green and inclusive growth.”
What the Robot Dog Can Do
Spot is the brainchild of Boston Dynamics, the Massachusetts-based robotics company renowned for its eerily lifelike machines. Weighing just under 30kg and powered by AI and a host of onboard sensors, Spot can:
– Navigate streets and pavements autonomously.
– Climb stairs and kerbs.
– Avoid obstacles and safely interact with its environment.
– Carry up to 14kg of payload, including parcel lockers.
– Operate in all weathers and uneven terrain.
Parcels Secure
For the Evri trial, Spot has been fitted with a secure, camera-enabled delivery compartment. Once it reaches a property, the robot identifies the correct address, sends a delivery notification to the recipient, and waits while the customer unlocks the compartment via a mobile app or pin code.
A Hybrid Approach – A Robot Plus A Human Driver
Crucially, Spot can also “walk back” to its mobile hub, i.e. the parked delivery van or designated base station, before heading off to complete the next delivery. The hope is that this hybrid approach, combining autonomous robots with human drivers, could significantly cut the time and cost associated with short-distance drop-offs.
Why Robot Dogs?
It may sound gimmicky, but there are serious logistics challenges that robots like Spot aim to address. These include helping to address issues like:
– Labour shortages. The parcel sector has long struggled with staff shortages, especially in peak seasons. Robots could ease the pressure by handling short-range, repetitive tasks.
– Urban congestion. Smaller, legged robots can reach places that vans can’t, especially in pedestrian zones, gated communities or narrow terraced streets.
– Sustainability goals. Electric-powered robots generate no direct emissions and could help reduce reliance on diesel vans, particularly for “final 500-metre” delivery loops.
Emissions Cut
Also, according to Evri’s internal modelling, robotic solutions like Spot could cut last-mile emissions by up to 30 per cent if scaled properly. While that’s still speculative, it does show the potential for meaningful change, especially as local councils and clients demand greener operations.
How Does The Robot Delivery Actually Work?
During the pilot phase, Spot is operating alongside human drivers in Barnsley on select delivery rounds. The deliveries are carried out in the following way:
– The driver drops off Spot in a target area : A courier in a van arrives at a designated spot and releases Spot to begin deliveries within a defined radius.
– Autonomous navigation begins : Spot identifies its route using GPS and LIDAR systems, with backup human monitoring from a mobile control centre.
– The parcel drop-off : The robot approaches each address, sends a notification to the recipient, and waits until the parcel compartment is unlocked and retrieved.
– Returns and charges : Once all deliveries are complete, Spot returns to the van for charging and reloading.
All movements are monitored remotely in real-time, with fail-safes in place if something goes wrong. For now, the robots are accompanied by human operators during public testing, mainly to collect data and respond to any incidents.
Public Reaction
Predictably, the robot has certainly turned heads. Locals have been snapping photos and posting videos of Spot trotting down pavements with packages on board, drawing everything from excitement to scepticism. Some residents have reportedly praised the trial for its innovation and eco-potential.
Others, however, have expressed concern about safety, privacy and job security. Social media threads have raised questions about how the robot avoids pets, children, or even potential theft attempts. Evri has responded by highlighting Spot’s multiple sensors, 360-degree vision and secure delivery process. They’ve also reiterated that robots are intended to assist and not to replace human workers.
Reality Check
It seems that not everyone is on board with the robot revolution just yet. For example, industry analysts point to several limitations that could slow rollout of this kind of delivery service. For example:
– The high cost. Spot reportedly costs around £60,000 per unit, making widespread adoption a pricey prospect for now.
– Public infrastructure challenges. UK streets are not always robot-friendly, with uneven pavements, steep kerbs and cluttered environments.
– Accessibility. Older residents or those without smartphones may struggle with app-based delivery systems.
– The UK weather and vandalism. While Spot is designed to handle rain and stairs, freezing temperatures and tampering could pose risks.
There’s also a broader question about whether this technology is solving a real problem, or creating one? For example, some critics argue that delivery robots are a distraction from improving pay, training and conditions for human couriers, especially when the technology is still in its infancy.
That said, Evri insists this is just a trial and not a full-scale rollout. As Marcus Hunter, Chief Technology Officer at Evri says: “We’re testing, learning and listening,” and that “Technology should be part of the solution, not the whole answer.”
What Does This Mean For Your Business?
While robot dog deliveries may still sound futuristic (plus the robot may look a bit intimidating to some), Evri’s trial may actually mark a more serious exploration of how UK logistics could evolve in the years ahead. With growing demand for faster, greener deliveries and ongoing pressure on urban infrastructure, innovations like Spot may no longer be just eye-catching experiments, but part of a broader rethink of how goods reach our doorsteps.
Crucially, as Evri is keen to point out, this is not about replacing drivers but is a hybrid approach, i.e. the robot is intended to work alongside human couriers, acting as a high-tech extension of the delivery network rather than a standalone solution. By handling short-distance or hard-to-access drop-offs, tools like Spot could help relieve pressure on drivers while improving efficiency at the most complex stage of the journey – the last mile.
Although it may seem like a novelty, many UK businesses are likely to be watching the trial closely. For example, more responsive, low-emission delivery methods could offer a competitive edge for retailers, particularly as customer expectations rise and sustainability commitments tighten. However, being realistic, practical hurdles, from system costs to infrastructure limitations and consumer adoption, will need to be tackled before robots like this can become part of everyday delivery operations.
The trial also reflects a growing appetite among local authorities to embrace emerging technologies. Towns like Barnsley are positioning themselves as testbeds for innovation, hoping to attract investment and future-proof their local economies. For communities, this opens the door to a more direct role in how technology is introduced and regulated on their streets.
In the end, Evri’s robot dog pilot may not be simply about PR or novelty, but a live test of what the future of parcel delivery could look like. Whether it leads to full-scale adoption or simply provides insights to shape future automation strategies, it’s a clear indication that the UK delivery sector is preparing for a more adaptable, tech-enabled future.
