DPD deploys new fleet of larger autonomous delivery robots

DPD is deploying new, multi-compartment, fully autonomous lockers on wheels, which are larger than its existing fleet of delivery robots.

DPD first introduced robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022, and they are now also out delivering parcels to DPD customers in Raunds and Bristol with more locations to follow this year.  

In September, it announced it was expanding its fleet of smaller autonomous robots, with the parcel delivery firm opening a robot base in Lincoln.

The new location, it said at the time, was part of a nationwide roll-out that could see up to 30 UK depots operating robots in their locality. 

It has now become the first UK parcel delivery company to deploy Ottonomy's multi-compartment, fully autonomous ‘Locker' robot, Ottobot.  

Larger than DPD's existing autonomous delivery robots, Ottobot has a maximum payload of 70kg, eight separate compartments that can carry parcel of varying sizes and can also facilitate collections.  

The robot features four-wheel powered swerve drive with independent steering and suspension, which provides maximum manoeuvrability. while multiple sensors including light detection and ranging ‘lidars' and cameras enable the Ottobot to navigate complex environments autonomously. 

Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPDgroup UK, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be deploying locker robots in the UK. This is the next chapter for us in terms of autonomous deliveries after a very successful roll-out across a number of different locations. 

“It's well over two years now since we began autonomous robot deliveries, and the customer feedback continues to be incredibly positive.”  

He added: “We've also learned a lot in terms of how best to deploy the technology and how to maximise the effectiveness of the robots day-to-day. 

“Ottobot potentially gives us a massive uplift in terms of productivity, with the ability to deliver up to eight parcels at a time before the robot needs to return to the depot to be reloaded. 

“As always when we invest in new innovation, we want to learn fast and try new things, so we will be looking at how Ottobot could double-up as an additional, mobile parcel drop-off point for customers.” 

The Ottobot will be based at DPD's Milton Keynes depot in Knowlhill and will navigate the city's traffic-free Redway network to access nearby residential neighbourhoods. 

The additional compartments not only enable the robot to work more efficiently with up to eight separate deliveries each time it leaves the depot but can also accommodate larger parcels in two 38-litre compartments. 

Once the locker robots have completed the mapping process, they operate fully autonomously.  DPD parcel recipients will receive an SMS when the robot is outside their property and can then use a secure one-time pin code to open the robot and access their parcel. 

The robot battery lasts up to six hours with the ability to keep swapping the battery for a new fully charged one at the depot, to keep the robot on the road.  

Ritukar Vijay, founder and CEO of Ottonomy, said: “It is fantastic to see Ottobot deployed in the UK parcel delivery market.  

“DPD is already well ahead of its competitors with its robot fleet and is well placed to maximise the full potential of Ottobot.  

“Our autonomous robot technology is designed to help brands meet customers’ ever-changing demands in new ways and provide the scalability to be a truly effective solution.”   

Read how DPD is deploying a range of zero-emission solutions as part of a holistic decarbonisation strategy, led by an acceleration of its electric van transition plan.