Leeds robots rolled out as takeaway deliveries set for major upgrade

The pavement delivery robots are set to be rolled out in the coming weeks

New delivery robots are set to take to the streets of Leeds in a partnership with Deliveroo.

The new robots will be delivered by Coco Robotics, who operate one of the largest robot delivery fleets in Europe and the USA. Delivered in partnership with Deliveroo, the robots will first be rolled out in Canary Wharf this October before arriving in Leeds, Milton Keynes, Stockton-on-Tees and Nottingham.

This marks the entry of the company into the UK and will come alongside investment into infrastructure and new jobs in in operations, maintenance, and logistics. Coco has said it is also in talks with other local authorities about launching the robots in new regions.

Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe, Leeds City Council’s executive member for transport and planning, said: "Our council is determined to embrace the opportunities offered by emerging technology. This approach has already helped establish Leeds as a location for hosting and advising on robot delivery trials.

"Supporting innovation means attracting investment. That's why we are now pleased to be working with Coco Robotics regarding the city’s future involvement in the UK rollout of their partnership with Deliveroo. We look forward to exploring the benefits that the rollout can bring to Leeds and its residents."

The majority of Deliveroo deliveries will continue to be delivered by drivers, with the robots well suited to short-range and urban environments. They are built to travel safely and operate at walking pace, with each delivery having zero-emissions. These robots will also share data on real-time pavement hazards to update its app, alerting blind and partially-sighted people to any dangers.

Zach Rash, CEO and co-founder of Coco Robotics: "We're thrilled to be bringing Coco to the UK with Deliveroo as our launch partner. The interest here has been incredible, and we're committed to building something that creates lasting value for local merchants and the communities they serve.

"As we expand further across the UK, we look forward to giving more businesses another reliable delivery option and more communities access to the kind of infrastructure that makes delivery work better for everyone."

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