DPD is launching autonomous robot deliveries in Lincoln as part of a nationwide rollout that could see up to 30 depots running robot bases.
Based at the depot at St Modwens Park, the robots will deliver to the nearby village of Witham St Hughs, via the existing network of footpaths.
The parcel delivery company first introduced robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022, and they are now also out delivering parcels to DPD customers in Raunds and Bristol, with more locations to follow this year.
The robots, which have a battery life of up to 12 hours and can deliver within a mile radius of the depot, operate autonomously once they have completed the mapping process, during which the robot is fully supervised and controlled by remote control.
DPD parcel recipients in Witham St Hughs will receive an SMS when the robot is outside their property and can then use a secure one-time pin code to open the robot and access their parcel. Once the compartment is closed, the robot will either continue to its next delivery or return to the depot. The robots can complete up to 30 deliveries a day.
DPD has worked closely with Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) on the introduction of the robots in Witham St Hughs.
Councillor Richard Davies, executive member for highways at LCC, said: “This is a very interesting trial of the system, and we will be watching it closely to see how it goes. Technology such as this is clearly part of the future of traffic and highways use so it’s good to be involved at such an early stage. We are interested in the outcomes of this trial and where it could lead for the future.”
Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications & sustainability at DPDgroup UK, said the robots have been a huge success.
“They have exceeded our expectations in terms of their effectiveness and the feedback from parcel recipients has been fantastic. As a result, I’m confident that residents will welcome them.”
The robots are part of DPD’s work to improve operations and become more sustainable. The company recently issued a sustainability update confirming it’s on target to deliver a 46% reduction in emissions by the end of 2024, from the 2020 baseline, with a third of its final mile van fleet now electric and 95% of its HGV fleet running on HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil).
