Deliveroo robot trials draw union criticism

Deliveroo’s first robot delivery trials in the UK have drawn criticism from GMB Union, which represents couriers on the platform. The union called the rollout “disappointing” and said it had not been negotiated with workers.

The company’s first UK deliveries by robot are scheduled to take place this month in Canary Wharf, London, as part of a partnership with Coco Robotics. Further trials are planned for Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months. Deliveroo has said most orders will continue to be handled by its rider network.

GMB organiser Claude Bahati questioned the investment in autonomous technology while, the union says, workers have not received comparable investment. Bahati also said developments should be negotiated with workers and pointed to couriers’ concerns about living costs, pay and compensation for return journeys.

Deliveroo has also highlighted the robots’ ability to share real-time data about pavement hazards with BlindSquare, a navigation app for blind and partially sighted people. TechRadar reported that it had asked Deliveroo to respond to the union’s criticism; the source did not include a company response.

In a TechRadar reader poll conducted the previous week, 48% said they would rather have a human deliver their order, while 31% said they would welcome robot delivery. The poll reflects respondents’ views and does not establish wider public opinion.