Coco Robotics and Deliveroo have formed an exclusive partnership to deploy sidewalk delivery robots across the UK, starting in London’s Canary Wharf this October before expanding to Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Nottingham in the coming weeks and months. The deal marks the UK debut of Coco Robotics and the first UK use of autonomous delivery vehicles by Deliveroo, a brand within DoorDash’s global portfolio. According to the companies, the partnership builds on Coco’s existing work with DoorDash and Wolt in the U.S. and other markets.
Highlights
- Five-city rollout: Service begins in Canary Wharf this October, followed by Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Nottingham.
- Deliveroo first: The partnership is Deliveroo’s first deployment of autonomous delivery vehicles in the UK.
- Fleet scale: Coco reports more than 500,000 zero-emission deliveries for more than 4,500 restaurants and retailers since its 2020 founding.
- Accessibility data: Coco robots will share real-time sidewalk hazard data with the BlindSquare navigation app.
Where Does the UK Rollout Start?
Initial service covers Wood Wharf in Canary Wharf, where customers can order from Patty&Bun, family-run bakery Signorelli, and cafe and restaurant Beam. The service area will later add merchants including Ole & Steen, Royal China, and Din Tai Fung. In Milton Keynes, Smoke and Pepper is among the merchants slated for the launch.
The companies say local authorities have welcomed the launches, and Coco is in discussions with additional councils in London and elsewhere in the UK. Coco plans to invest in UK operational infrastructure, including new depot and charging facilities, with new jobs in operations, maintenance, and logistics in each region.
Jacinta Rowsell, Managing Director of Operations at Canary Wharf Group, said: “It’s exciting to be the first UK launch for Coco and Deliveroo’s autonomous delivery partnership. Canary Wharf is built on an ambitious vision, one which supports and encourages growth and innovation, and our partnership with Coco is a great example of this.”
Deliveroo’s Multi-Modal Delivery Strategy
Deliveroo describes the partnership as part of a multi-modal last-mile strategy. Most orders will still go to its rider network, while Coco’s fully electric robots handle short-distance trips in dense urban areas.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing Coco to the UK with Deliveroo as our launch partner, building on our existing partnership with DoorDash,” said Zach Rash, CEO and co-founder of Coco Robotics. “The interest here has been incredible, and we’re committed to building something that creates lasting value for local merchants and the communities they serve. As we expand further across the UK, we look forward to giving more businesses another reliable delivery option and more communities access to the kind of infrastructure that makes delivery work better for everyone.”
Miki Kuusi, CEO at Deliveroo and Head of DoorDash International, tied the launch to the company’s origins and to High Street businesses, the UK term for local main-street shops and restaurants.
“London is where Deliveroo was born, so it feels fitting that we’re launching our first UK autonomous delivery service with Coco Robotics here before expanding our exclusive partnership to more towns and cities nationwide, building on our partnership in other geographies,” Kuusi said. “We see huge potential in autonomous delivery and we are looking forward to working with Coco to bring more flexibility to our delivery network, helping local restaurants and shops meet increasing consumer demand. We firmly believe that robot and drone technology should benefit High Street businesses of all sizes, helping them remain competitive and meet consumers in new ways.”
DoorDash and Wolt already partner with Coco in Los Angeles, San Jose, Chicago, Miami, Washington, D.C., and Helsinki. DoorDash also works with multiple aerial drone and ground robot operators and runs its in-house delivery robot, Dot, across the greater Phoenix area.
How Do Coco’s Delivery Robots Navigate?
According to Coco, its robots travel at walking pace and use onboard sensors, cameras, and AI-driven navigation to move along sidewalks. The system processes environmental data at the edge rather than relying on cloud connectivity, and the robots operate within existing pedestrian traffic without dedicated infrastructure.
The company says each new deployment is phased and aligned with local regulations:
- Control software enforces location-specific speed limits and routing policies.
- Supervising operators are trained on local rules and street conditions.
- Robot behavior is designed to be predictable, with the robot yielding where appropriate.
Sidewalk Hazard Data for Blind Pedestrians
Through a partnership with BlindSquare, Coco will share real-time data on sidewalk hazards its robots detect, allowing the app to alert blind and low-vision pedestrians to obstacles ahead.
“This isn’t theoretical anymore. We’re seeing firsthand how Coco’s real-time sidewalk data delivers tangible safety improvements for our users in every city where we operate together,” said Ilkka Pirttimaa, founder of BlindSquare. “Coco’s robots are essentially a real-time accessibility mapping network, feeding hazard data, discarded e-scooters, temporary construction, straight into BlindSquare’s self-voicing app, giving blind and partially sighted pedestrians the crucial seconds they need to navigate safely. London is historic, dynamic, and often challenging to navigate. Bringing this safety layer here is a major step forward, and it’s what autonomous technology should look like in a city. Coco’s robots don’t just share the sidewalk, they help make it more accessible for everyone.”
Regional Leaders Back the Launch
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said: “The East Midlands is determined to be a leader in the adoption of new technologies, and Coco’s UK launch is exactly the kind of opportunity that reflects our ambitions for the region. We look forward to working with Coco Robotics to explore the potential for autonomous delivery and the benefits it could bring to businesses, residents and visitors.”
Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley, said: “Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool have built a reputation for turning innovation into reality, and Coco Robotics choosing our region as one of its first UK launches is another major vote of confidence in everything we’re building here. This project will bring more cutting-edge tech, new investment and good-quality opportunities for local people — further proof that Teesside is one of the best places in the country to grow and invest in industries of the future.”
Coco Robotics and Deliveroo will deploy sidewalk delivery robots in the UK, starting in Canary Wharf this October before expanding to Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton-on-Tees, and Nottingham.
