New robot Deliveroo service to arrive in Leeds to meet ‘increasing consumer demand’

Robot food delivery is set to be rolled out in Leeds as Deliveroo launches its first-ever autonomous delivery vehicles in the UK.

The takeaway delivery service has joined forces with Coco Robotics, one of the largest robot delivery fleets across the U.S. and Europe, to bring robot food carriers to several towns and cities across the UK.

The initiative will launch in Canary Wharf, London, this month, before continuing its rollout in Leeds, Milton Keynes, Nottingham, and Stockton on Tees.

Each UK deployment is being developed with the relevant area’s local authority, who will set where and how the robots operate.

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.”

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The fully electric robots will operate at walking pace, moving safely through busy streets while carrying orders directly to customers.

Zach Rash, CEO and Founder of Coco Robotics, said: “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.”

Offering zero emission deliveries, the robots are best-suited to short-distances and aim to offer additional flexibility to local businesses on Deliveroo’s platform so they can fulfill more orders.

However, a majority of Deliveroo orders made through Deliveroo will continue to be fulfilled by the business’ extensive driver network.

Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International, said: “We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand.”