Delivery robots that can climb stairs being tested

The robots can scale "challenging urban obstacles" such as stairs

Delivery robots designed to climb stairs are being tested in real city environments.

Just Eat UK is trialling the four-legged RIVR robots with 10 independent restaurants across Milton Keynes and Bristol.

It follows a similar pilot in Switzerland, where nearly 1,000 autonomous deliveries were completed, while delivery drones are being tested in Ireland.

Milton Keynes is already home to another robot delivery service, which has been operated by Starship Technologies since 2018.

The RIVR robots use AI to assist them scale "challenging urban obstacles" and uneven terrain, including stairs.

Robots are being trialled by businesses in Milton Keynes and Bristol

In Milton Keynes, food outlets 12th Street Burgers & Shakes and Moores Fish & Chips are the two businesses taking part in the trial.

Marko Bjelonic, chief executive of RIVR, said the partnership was an "important step in scaling autonomous delivery across European cities".

"The launch in Milton Keynes reflects a shared focus on practical, automated delivery that integrates seamlessly into existing operations," he said.

Eight restaurants are involved in Bristol, including Jolly Fryer, Chicken Mews and Bishopston Fish Bar.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.