Evri trials two-legged autonomous delivery robot in Barnsley

Evri has launched Europe’s first trial of a two-legged autonomous delivery robot in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Conducted in partnership with Japan-based Refined Robotics, the pilot aims to test how advanced robotics can support human couriers and improve last-mile delivery efficiency.

The robot, named Iris, is designed to navigate complex outdoor environments that typically challenge wheeled autonomous technology. It is capable of climbing stairs, traversing uneven surfaces, and managing obstacles such as kerbs or fallen branches. The 4ft tall machine can carry parcels weighing up to 15kg and travels at speeds of approximately 4mph (6km/h).

During the trial, the robot can operate autonomously or via remote monitoring. It is capable of both attended and unattended deliveries, allowing it to complete drop-offs even when customers are not present. Evri will evaluate the technology's performance in residential settings to determine its potential for operational efficiency and customer service flexibility.