Delivery robots have been spotted travelling along pavements in Reading, marking a first for the area.
Delivery robots have made their debut on the pavements of Reading, a first for the area.
Residents captured footage of a four-wheeled DPD robot and a white robot navigating the streets in Whitley Wood.
Currently in a trial phase, the robots are following set routes but could soon operate autonomously.
If successful, customers in Reading could receive a secure PIN via text to access their items from the robot's lockbox.
Interestingly, DPD does not need a licence from Reading Borough Council for the testing in Whitley Wood.
A DPD spokesperson stated, "There isn’t a licence requirement for the operation of autonomous robots in the UK." They added that they are working with the council to gain approval for fully autonomous deliveries.
A council spokesperson confirmed that DPD's proposal for automated deliveries is under review, with no formal approval yet as they assess the potential impact on safety.
The DPD Depot is situated in Commercial Close, Whitley, and robot deliveries have already launched in Milton Keynes, Raunds, Bristol, and Lincolnshire.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
