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Deliveroo has teamed up with Coco Robotics to launch autonomous delivery robots in London’s Canary Wharf, marking the company’s first use of sidewalk robots in the UK. The service begins with customers ordering from local eateries such as Patty&Bun, Signorelli and Beam, while additional merchants will join later. The robots travel at a walking pace, using cameras, sensors and AI to navigate safely through busy streets.
Following the London launch, the partnership will expand to Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham, providing zero‑emission, short‑distance deliveries that reduce urban congestion and give local businesses a new channel to reach customers. Deliveroo’s strategy blends these robots with its existing rider network, creating a multi‑modal last‑mile solution rather than replacing human couriers.
Industry leaders view the rollout as a significant milestone: Milton Keynes City Council’s deputy leader highlighted the potential for increased choice and reduced congestion, while Deliveroo CEO Miki Kuusi emphasized the role of autonomous technology in keeping High Street businesses competitive. Coco Robotics’ co‑founder Zach Rash expressed enthusiasm for the UK launch, noting the partnership’s value for local merchants and communities.
What to watch next: monitoring performance metrics such as delivery times, safety incidents, and merchant adoption rates will be key to assessing scalability. Additional UK locations are slated for rollout in the coming weeks, and further integration with other autonomous modes—such as drones—could broaden Deliveroo’s last‑mile ecosystem in 2027. [[1, 2, 3]]