UK parcel delivery company Evri has begun trialling automated guided vehicles at its Rugby hub as part of a move to introduce robotics into its internal operations, according to reporting in Parcel and Postal Technology International.

The company is testing two AGV power pallets in partnership with Translift Group. The trial marks Evri's first step in what it describes as its "under the roof" robotics programme, focused on automating processes in its hubs and depots.

Currently, workers at the Rugby site move cages and pallets across the facility throughout the day. The AGVs are designed to take over these repetitive tasks, allowing staff to be reassigned to other roles and trained to oversee robotic systems.

Innovation Delivery Manager Adrian Berry stated: "This trial marks the first of what we hope will be many, exploring how robotics can support our hub and depot operations as well as the colleagues that work there. We're constantly looking at innovative ways to improve and enhance what we do, and we've got more exciting things we'll be looking at this year."

The vehicles use lidar technology to navigate, detecting ceiling-mounted sensors that guide their routes. They can be programmed to travel between fixed points, with scheduled stops for loading and unloading, and operate continuously in a loop. Each unit can carry loads of up to 1.5 metric tonnes and can also be switched to manual operation if required.

Head of Hub Operations Lee Moss added: "I'm excited to see the AGVs in action and to see the benefits they can have in production. Some of the work our colleagues carry out can be very monotonous.

Read complete details of Evri's automated guided vehicle trial at Rugby hub and warehouse automation strategy.