Evri launches Europe's first bipedal delivery robot trial in Barnsley

Evri started a pilot in Barnsley featuring bipedal delivery robots created in partnership with Japan's Refined Robotics. The devices move at about four miles per hour, can lift packages weighing up to 33 lbs and are capable of negotiating stairs and uneven surfaces thanks to their two spring-based legs with wheels. While the bots navigate using onboard sensors, they are monitored remotely throughout the trial.

Evri will assess their ability to handle the final "last-mile" segment of deliveries and will consider rolling the technology out to additional towns if results are positive. Refined Robotics CEO Nick Hafner says the robots address the most challenging part of parcel delivery, and Evri CTO Marcus Hunter emphasizes that the technology is meant to complement, not replace, human couriers.