Delivery robots have been spotted travelling along pavements in Reading, marking a first for the area.
Footage taken by two residents shows a four-wheeled DPD robot and a white robot on the pavement and crossing roads in Whitley Wood.
The robot is currently being used in a trial capacity at the moment, using defined routes, but could soon be used for autonomous deliveries.
If the service is rolled out in Reading, it will allow customers to collect their items by receiving a secure PIN via text.
That PIN can then be used to access its lockbox.
DPD does not require a licence from Reading Borough Council to conduct the testing in Whitley Wood.
A spokesperson for DPD explained: “There isn’t a licence requirement for the operation of autonomous robots in the UK.
“However, we are in contact with the council and in the process of seeking approval to move to fully autonomous robot deliveries in the area. If that approval is confirmed, we will begin deliveries using one robot, initially.
“To date, we have only completed short, manual test mapping runs with the robot.”
Confirming this, a council spokesperson said: “The council has received a proposal from DPD to operate automated robot deliveries in Reading and is currently considering the submission.
“No formal approval has been granted at this stage while the council considers the potential impacts of the scheme, particularly regarding the safety of pedestrians, people with mobility impairments and road users.”
The DPD Depot is located nearby in Commercial Close, Whitley.
Robot deliveries have already been rolled out in areas of Milton Keynes, Raunds, Bristol, and Lincolnshire.
