A FLEET of grocery delivery robots could be rolled out across three seaside towns in the next year.
The robots have been dubbed “tiny fridges on wheels” and can autonomously deliver groceries.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents could see autonomous grocery robots operating soon as part of a major pilot.
According to cabinet member for climate response, environment and energy Andy Hadley, the robots could be rolled out “within the next year or so”.
The small electric vehicles hope to become part of the district council’s new transport plan, which aims to be introduced by 2031.
Often described as “tiny fridges on wheels”, these grocery delivery robots are able to travel autonomously while delivering small online grocery orders and deliveries.
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The robots have previously been trialled in a number of major UK locations, including London, Milton Keynes, Leeds and Sheffield with varying levels of success.
Last month, Uber Eats delivery robots were axed in Sheffield after a five-month trial, with the branded vehicles repeatedly sprayed with graffiti and plastered with stickers.
Safety, however, is BCP Council’s main concern with the pilot, but Hadley assured the public that the robots will be fitted with cameras and technology to detect obstacles.
Hadley said: “They have a lot of cameras and means to detect what’s happening and they have various safety mechanisms,” he said.
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“If they get into a conflict situation, they can stop, they can speak, and they can also be taken over by a controller.”
To safely facilitate the rollout of the robots, restrictions could also include introducing speed limits on the seafront and preventing the robots from operating in areas where there are lots of pedestrians.