GMB has criticised Deliveroo’s plans to introduce autonomous delivery robots in Nottingham, warning that investment in technology ‘should not come at the expense of its riders’.

The union, which represents couriers across Deliveroo’s rider network, called for greater engagement with workers after the company announced a partnership with US-based Coco Robotics to roll out pavement delivery robots across the UK.

The service is set to launch in London’s Canary Wharf this month, before expanding to Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Leeds and Stockton-on-Tees over the coming months.

GMB organiser Claude Bahati questioned why Deliveroo was investing in autonomous technology, while couriers continued to face financial pressures and poor working conditions.

He said: “Innovation should not come at the expense of real people, and these developments must always be negotiated with workers.”

Bahati also criticised the lack of engagement from Deliveroo and the Mayor, arguing that riders needed better pay, compensation for return journeys and improved access to facilities while working.

Deliveroo previously outlined plans to use Coco’s fully electric robots to transport food and grocery orders over short distances.

The robots travel at walking pace and use cameras, sensors and AI-powered navigation to operate on pavements.

Deliveroo maintained that the technology would complement rather than replace its existing rider network, which would continue to fulfil the majority of customer orders.

The company said the partnership would provide restaurants and retailers with greater delivery flexibility, while creating jobs in operations, maintenance and logistics.

Deliveroo chief executive Miki Kuusi said the business saw significant potential in autonomous delivery as it looked to support local restaurants and shops.

Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter