Tesco testing robot delivery service | Progresiv
Tesco has tested robot delivery, as part of its wider 'Tesco Now' one-hour delivery trial. Tesco has partnered with Starship Technologies to deliver groceries to an address in central London, via an automated six-wheeled robot. The automated robots are able to carry items within a three-mile radius of a store of delivery hub. The robots are fitted with anti-theft systems and are accompanied by a smartphone app, which can be used to track progress. 
The one-off robot delivery test is part of Tesco's wider one-hour delivery trial, currently taking place in London, termed 'Tesco Now'. Deliveries include up to 20 items at a time, including fresh fruit and vegetables among other products.
The retailer is expected to roll-out the one-hour delivery trial, helping it compete with the likes of Amazon. We're seeing a huge shift in shopper expectations when it comes to getting what they want, when they want. This is driven in part by delivery specialists such as Amazon and Deliveroo, who are setting the pace by offering fast delivery through advanced logistics platforms.
The online channel is fast-growing as shoppers increasingly shop online. Nearly half (40%) of all British grocery shoppers say they have bought some part of their grocery shopping online in the past month (May'17), with the vast majority preferring home delivery. As retailers strive to become more convenient, they are starting to experiement with delivery solutions that meet changing shopper expectations. Sainsbury's launched an app called Chop Chop last year, which enables users to order small orders from their local stores and have them delivered within one hour. The goods are delivered by bicycle or third-party distributor. Tesco have the opportunity to use its vast store network to its advantage. (www.igd.com)
