Deliveroo is set to introduce courier robots in several locations across the United Kingdom as part of its strategy to increase automation in food delivery services. The company plans to commence robot-assisted deliveries in the coming weeks, initially deploying the devices in London, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Nottingham—areas where local authorities have approved the use of autonomous delivery technology.

Miki Kuusi, Deliveroo’s chief executive, emphasized that the rollout is intended to complement, not replace, human couriers. He explained that autonomous deliveries can be more effective in certain neighborhoods, types of orders, and merchant partnerships. Kuusi highlighted that even as the technology improves and more autonomous vehicles appear on city streets, human delivery personnel will remain essential, especially during high-demand periods such as Friday evenings, when the volume of deliveries would exceed the capacity of robots alone.

The robots, produced by the US-based company Coco, are designed to travel at walking speed and utilize a combination of sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to navigate urban environments. Deliveroo’s approach reflects a broader industry trend toward automation, with competitors like Just Eat already deploying robot couriers in several parts of the UK, using technology developed by the firm Starship. Additionally, Deliveroo has been testing drone deliveries in Dublin as part of its innovation efforts.

While campaigners such as the pedestrian safety group Living Streets have raised concerns regarding potential hazards posed by autonomous delivery robots—citing safety issues observed with Starship robots used by some retailers—Kuusi dismissed these worries, stating that the robots integrate smoothly into the urban landscape and have not caused significant problems in practice.

Deliveroo is actively engaging with local councils and the UK Department for Transport to gain further permissions to expand the use of autonomous delivery devices. The company envisions a gradual, incremental deployment as it scales up its robotic fleet and adapts to regulatory frameworks. This move reflects growing competition in the food delivery market, where providers are increasingly investing in technology to boost efficiency and reduce reliance on human labor during peak and off-peak hours.