Australia Post is expected to conduct more trials of its delivery robots following a successful trial run in Brisbane late last year.

In its annual report released earlier this year Australia Post reported there were no technical or safety incidents during the four-week trial.

During that time the robot made more than 100 deliveries and travelled 140 km autonomously in the Brisbane suburb of New Farm.

“We have secured community and regulator support to keep exploring this technology,” Australia Post said.

During the trial, the robot which resembles a large esky on wheels, delivered parcels instead of requiring the recipient to attend a post office.

Positive responses

The project dubbed the “mobile parcel locker trial” received overwhelmingly positive responses from customers and the public alike who shared the footpath with the robot.

The evening redelivery service was conducted on an “opt-in” basis.

It meant customers could receive their missed parcel at home from a mobile parcel locker unit instead of the post office. 

“Because it was the first extended trial of this technology in Australia, we were able to gather feedback from our customers about whether this solution could be useful and what they might be interested in seeing more of in the future,” said Australia Post.