Hermes, the consumer delivery specialist, is launching an innovative testing programme for the use of self-driving delivery robots in London. In partnership with Starship Technologies, Hermes will soon trial a number of parcel collections in the London borough of Southwark.
This latest trial follows on from a project which has seen Hermes Germany and Starship Technologies test parcel delivery by robot in the Ottensen, Volksdorf and Grindel suburbs of Hamburg. Starting last August, three robots were deployed on the streets of the German city.
Hermes will use the testing period to better understand how the robots could enhance the company’s ability to offer an increased range of on-demand solutions in the future, as part of its ongoing commitment to providing value-added services. Initially, the trial will allow the delivery firm to offer limited thirty-minute time slots for the collection of parcels, either for items being returned to retailers, or for items being sent by small businesses or consumers via myHermes. Moving forward, the robots could offer Hermes greater scheduling and tracking capabilities.
Read more at hermesworld.com