Deliveroo's robot delivery trials are 'disappointing', says trade union

Deliveroo's robot delivery trials have been blasted by a UK trade union GMB Union says "innovation should not come at the expense of real people" It adds that the robot delivery plans weren't negotiated with workers Deliveroo's first robot delivery trials in the UK have been heavily criticized by a trade union representing human couriers, which says they're "disappointing" and weren't negotiated with workers.

The UK's first Deliveroo robot deliveries will take place this month in London's Canary Wharf, after the delivery giant announced a partnership with Coco Robotics to use its fully-electric 'bots.

Other trials will take place in Milton Keynes, Leeds, Stockton on Tees and Nottingham "in the coming weeks and months".

But the GMB Union, which represents couriers across Deliveroo's rider network, says the Nottingham trials represent an investment that hasn't been forthcoming to its human equivalents.

"If Deliveroo can afford to invest in autonomous technology, why can it not invest properly in the workers who keep the platform running every day?", said Claude Bahati (GMB Organiser).

Another bone of contention for the GMB is the lack of dialogue with workers.

"Innovation should not come at the expense of real people, and these developments must always be negotiated with workers," Claude Bahati added.

The prospect of Deliveroo's four-wheeled robots trundling around city centers has understandably sparked some anger from human riders, who have been demanding better working conditions.

"Food couriers continue to struggle with rising living costs and are calling for fairer pay and compensation for return journeys," said Claude Bahati.

"Decision makers must pay greater attention to the realities of the gig economy and ensure that riders are treated with dignity, respect and fairness.

Deliveroo’s future must include investment in the people who have built its success, not just its technologies," they added.

We've asked Deliveroo for a response to the GMB Union's criticisms and will update this page when we get a response.

Analysis: Do we really want robot deliveries? (Image credit: Evri) We asked TechRadar readers in a poll (below) last week whether they'd be happy to have robots bringing their Deliveroo order to their door — and just under half (48%) said "no, I'd rather have a human deliver".

Robots weren't completely ruled out, with 31% of respondents saying "yes, why not — it's the future".