B&Q is trialling robot deliveries in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

The home and garden retailer’s supply and logistics director Amélie Gallichan-Todd said this week that the company is testing alternative ways to deliver to customers, including a trial with DPD UK's autonomous robot fleet.

“I am really proud of the work we’re doing to improve our fulfilment services to give our customers more choice of when and how their B&Q purchases are delivered,” she wrote on LinkedIn. “We already offer different options including one hour and 24 hour click and collect from our 300 stores, home delivery direct from 52 stores, and home delivery from our central distribution centres as well as direct from drop ship vendors.”

Gallichan-Todd went on to say that the company’s aim is to give customers more choice of speed and location whilst also fulfilling its commitment to reduce its impact on the environment.

The retailer also announced this week the roll out of on-demand delivery for its customers in the capital through a new deal with Deliveroo.

More than 600 DIY products will be available for delivery from a B&Q Local store in a minimum of 25 minutes.

B&Q said the move aims to help it target a new customer base as well as giving consumers more choice.

"DPD’s aim is to be the UK's most sustainable delivery company and we are continually investing in innovations and trying new things," Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications & sustainability DPD group UK told FStech. "We are delighted to support B&Q’s intentions to improve delivery options for its customers whilst at the same time reducing its impact on the environment and are very excited about the trial of our delivery robots in Milton Keynes.

"So far, the robots have exceeded our expectations and given us a greater understanding of where these amazing machines could be deployed in other locations across the UK.”

Last year DPD announced it was expanding its robot delivery service to 10 new UK towns and cities.

The move came after successful trial by the parcel delivery business in Milton Keynes.

DPD first launched the Cartken-made robots in Milton Keynes in July 2022.

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