Evri brings new special robot deliveries trial to Yorkshire town

Residents can track, schedule, and collect their parcels from a small, autonomous robot

Residents in one Yorkshire town may soon find their parcels arriving via an unexpected new courier — a small autonomous robot.

Evri has partnered with Delivers.AI to launch a three-month pilot in Redbrook, Barnsley, testing how robotic technology could support “final mile” deliveries. The initiative will see self-driving delivery units transport parcels directly to residents’ homes, offering a glimpse into a more flexible and tech-enabled future for home delivery.

The aim of the trial is not to replace human couriers, but to complement them — improving convenience while helping manage growing delivery demand.

Residents who are eligible can opt in to receive their parcels by robot during the trial.

Once a delivery is scheduled, customers receive a text message with a booking link, allowing them to choose a time that suits them. The parcel is then loaded into the robot, which travels autonomously to the address.

Customers can track the robot’s journey in real time via an online map. When it arrives, a secure SMS link allows them to unlock the compartment and retrieve their parcel.

If no one is available, the robot simply returns the package to the depot for redelivery by a human courier.

Standing at around 80cm tall, the robots are designed to be accessible, including for wheelchair users. They are electric-powered, weatherproof and compliant with traffic regulations. Operating around the clock, they offer added flexibility — whether that’s late-night delivery or extra time at the doorstep.

The robots are monitored in real time from the Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre by Evri and Delivers.AI. If they encounter an obstacle or interference, operators can intervene or take control remotely.

As well as improving convenience, the trial supports Evri’s net-zero ambitions by helping to reduce the environmental impact of traditional delivery methods.

For now, the pilot is limited to a small area of Redbrook. Residents can check eligibility online and opt out at any time.

Feedback from the trial will help determine whether robotic deliveries could play a larger role in the future of parcel delivery across the UK.

More Evri news here: https://www.evri.com/news