Evri’s robotic canine, developed by Swiss-based physical AI innovator RIVR, is designed to assist human couriers by handling physically demanding tasks such as walking parcels from vans to front doors. Fully autonomous and agile, the robot dog will be able to exit and re-enter the courier van independently, improving delivery efficiency while reducing strain on human couriers.
“Couriers always have and always will be the heart of our business,” said Marcus Hunter, Chief Technology Officer at Evri. “Robots will never replace them, but we are dedicated to finding new and innovative methods to support our couriers and increase the speed and convenience of the services we offer.”
This futuristic delivery approach follows Evri’s recent retrospective on 50 years of evolving delivery practices, which included a consumer survey indicating only 16% of respondents envisioned robot deliveries. That vision is quickly becoming reality.
The robot dog is just one part of Evri’s broader investment in automation. The company is also trialing a compact, electric, wheeled delivery robot from Delivers AI, designed to operate in residential areas. Based out of Barnsley Business Innovation Centre, the robot will deliver parcels in partnership with human couriers on selected streets over a three-month period. Participants will opt into the program through a dedicated sign-up portal.
These robots are built for flexibility—operating 24/7 and enabling night-time or time-specific deliveries to meet modern consumer demands. They may also serve as a valuable resource for customers who require extra time to answer the door, offering potential accessibility benefits not yet fully explored.
In an effort to engage the next generation and support digital inclusion, Evri plans to bring the robot dog into local schools, giving students an up-close look at the technology and an opportunity to name the new delivery companion.
The initiative has been welcomed by Barnsley Council, which is positioning itself as a hub for digital innovation. “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting the trial run for this programme in Barnsley,” said Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture. “This aligns with our new Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy to become the UK’s leading digital town.”
While the robot dog rollout may seem whimsical at first glance, the initiative underscores a serious evolution in parcel logistics. Evri’s trials aim to demonstrate how human and robotic collaboration can enhance efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction without replacing the vital role of human couriers.
As logistics companies worldwide explore autonomous solutions, Evri’s approach stands out for integrating physical AI into the courier workflow—not as a replacement, but as a support mechanism.
