Delivery robots to be tested on Cranfield University campus

The trials will start shortly at Cranfield University in Bedfordshire

A university is to become a testing ground for delivery robots so that the technology can encounter "real-world scenarios".

Cranfield University in Bedfordshire said the trial would be a "UK first for on-campus, last-mile robotic deliveries".

The university is working with the delivery-service platform Peyk.

The test, which is due to start in the spring, will also let students studying robotics gain industry experience.

The aim is for the PeykBot delivery robots to move goods around the site, including library books, mail and food.

Students will be able to hire and control the PeykBot, the university said

"The peer-to-peer system means that the robots can be hired and controlled by individuals, giving more flexibility to the service," the university said.

The robot will be able to climb kerbs and transport different sized boxes, it added.

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Researchers and students from Cranfield University's Centre for Robotics and Assembly will help Peyk engineers on the campus trials, and will work with them to develop the technology and mechanics of the vehicles.

They will also fine-tune the robots for rollouts on other UK university campuses, the university said.

Gilbert Tang, a senior lecturer in robotics at Cranfield University, said: "With delivery robots becoming a more common sight on UK pavements, we're delighted to be the first university campus to rollout this kind of service to our students and staff.

"This is also a fantastic opportunity for our students to learn directly from a robotics company and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios."

Salman Moghimi, the founder and chief executive of Peyk, said: "This collaboration also enables the students to have a hands-on experience on real operational robots, as well as potentially creating unique post-study job opportunities."