Small autonomous grocery robots could be trialled across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with BCP Council saying talks with the company behind the scheme are continuing. Autonomous grocery robots could begin moving through neighbourhoods across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next year. A pilot scheme using small electric autonomous vehicles is included in BCP Council’s latest transport plan, which says a personal delivery device scheme for groceries is expected to be developed and delivered by 2031. Councillor Andy Hadley, cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energ
Autonomous grocery robots could begin moving through neighbourhoods across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole next year.
A pilot scheme using small electric autonomous vehicles is included in BCP Council’s latest transport plan, which says a personal delivery device scheme for groceries is expected to be developed and delivered by 2031.
Councillor Andy Hadley, cabinet member for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said the council was approached about two years ago by a company that was interested in operating in the BCP area.
He described the vehicles as "little, tiny fridges on wheels" and said talks were continuing, with the scheme potentially arriving "within the next year or so", although the timing rests with the company.
Councillor Hadley said the robots have cameras and safety systems, can stop or speak if there is a problem, and can be controlled remotely when they cannot resolve a situation themselves.
He said routes would avoid places that are not safe for them, and compared possible restrictions with rules that already limit where Beryl scooters can be used around the area.
