B&Q has revealed it is testing autonomous 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.

National Technology News has approached B&Q and DPD UK for further comment on the trial.

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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