Just Eat Launches UK Delivery Robot Trial Ahead of Valentine’s Day Surge

Just Eat has launched a new UK trial of autonomous delivery robots, rolling out ground-based robotic deliveries in Bristol and Milton Keynes just in time for the Valentine’s Day rush.

The small-scale pilot will see delivery robots operating from local high street restaurants and bringing food orders directly to customers’ doors. In Bristol, the robots are supplied by Delivers.AI, while Milton Keynes will host robots from RIVR. Around ten independent restaurant brands are participating in the trial, with the robots prominently branded in Just Eat’s signature orange.

According to Just Eat, Valentine’s Day is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year for food delivery. Last year, the South West recorded the biggest uplift in orders on the day, while breakfast and dessert categories saw demand rise by 10% and 14% respectively. The company says the timing of the trial will help test how autonomous delivery can support peak demand.

Building on European pilots

The UK rollout follows an earlier pilot in Switzerland, where nearly 1,000 robot deliveries were completed. That trial marked a European first by testing a new generation of delivery “robo-dogs” equipped with what the company describes as “physical AI,” allowing the robots to better navigate complex environments.

Just Eat is also experimenting beyond ground robots. Alongside the UK trial, the company is testing drone deliveries in Ireland as part of a broader push into autonomous last-mile logistics.

Supporting peak demand and local access

Mert Öztekin, Chief Technology Officer at Just Eat, said the company is focused on using technology to improve customer experience and operational resilience. “We’re always innovating to improve the delivery experience for our customers. To trial ground robotics we’ve teamed up with two expert organisations to ensure that we’re learning and working with the very best,” he said.

“For those in Bristol and Milton Keynes who love tech,” Öztekin added, “what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than a robot delivery from your favourite local?”

Oral Yigitkus, CTO and founder of Delivers.AI, said the partnership demonstrates how ground robots can complement existing courier networks while continuing to support local high streets.

Part of a wider automation push

The robotics trial comes just a month after Just Eat launched a new voice-based AI assistant in the UK, designed to help customers navigate “choice overload” when ordering food. Together, these initiatives point to a broader strategy: using AI and automation not to replace delivery networks, but to add capacity, resilience, and convenience—especially during the busiest moments of the year.

As Valentine’s Day demand spikes, the UK trial will offer a closely watched test of how ready autonomous delivery really is for everyday urban life.