Evri is set to launch a pilot of a robotic neighbourhood parcel hub in a pedestrianised community in Bristol, in partnership with Collective Robotics.
The trial is designed to explore how neighbourhood hubs could support final mile delivery and provide customers with even greater choice, convenience and control. It will work alongside Evri’s existing network of home delivery, ParcelShops and lockers.
Additionally, the trial will assess whether bringing parcels closer to where people live can provide greater flexibility over how and when deliveries are received.
“Technology should make life easier for customers, and that’s exactly what we’re looking to explore through this trial,” said Adrian Berry, innovation delivery manager at Evri Group.
“Neighbourhood parcel hubs have the potential to bring parcels closer to consumers, giving them even greater choice, convenience and control over how they receive their deliveries. We’re already investing significantly in innovation across our network, and this trial is another example of how we’re testing new ideas that could help customers fit parcel deliveries around their lives.”
Related Story
Paintworks has been chosen for the trial because of long-lasting commitments to become a more sustainable city, with a clean air zone and the city of choice for previous e-cargo bike trials by Evri.
Paintworks itself is representative of many modern residential developments and through the trial, Evri will assess how delivery hubs can support successful first-time delivery, working with couriers to provide a more seamless and convenient experience for consumers in similar environments across the UK.
Prof. Sabine Hauert, CEO and co-founder of Collective Robotics, added: “Our aim at Collective Robotics is to develop technology that works for local communities, not simply technology that is placed in them.
“Working with Evri allows us to test our early prototype with real deliveries and learn from both couriers and our neighbours about what works and what we need to improve.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
