Deliveroo is set to introduce autonomous delivery robots across five UK locations through a new partnership with Coco Robotics.
The rollout will begin with a 12-month trial in Canary Wharf, London, this month before expanding to Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees and Nottingham in future.
The partnership marks Deliveroo’s first use of autonomous delivery vehicles in the UK and Coco Robotics’ entry into the UK market. Coco already partners with DoorDash and Wolt in other markets.
The UK rollout will be supported by new operational infrastructure, including depots and charging facilities, and will create roles in operations, maintenance and logistics.
Coco’s electric robots travel at walking pace and use onboard sensors, cameras and AI-driven navigation to move along pavements. Environmental data is processed at the edge rather than relying on cloud connectivity, allowing the robots to respond to changing urban traffic conditions as they travel.
Coco will also share data on pavement hazards detected by its robots with BlindSquare, a navigation app for blind and partially sighted people.
Deliveroo said the robots are suited to short-distance deliveries and navigating urban environments, but that the majority of orders will continue to be delivered by riders.
Initial participating businesses in Canary Wharf will include Patty&Bun, Signorelli and Beam, with the service expected to expand to additional merchants.
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and head of DoorDash International, said: “We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
Deliveroo said local authorities had welcomed the planned launches and that Coco was in discussions with other councils across London and the wider UK.
Autonomous delivery, last-mile infrastructure and the challenges of moving goods through cities will be explored at Urban Logistics.
Urban Logistics, takes place at ExCeL London on 9-10 June 2027.
To find out more information, visit: urbanlogisticsexhibition.com
