Guide Dog Befriends DPD Robot Following Initial Spook

A labrador guide dog named Amelia from Raunds wasn't quite sure what to make of a new DPD delivery robot named Levi she encountered on a walk with her owner, David Holmes.

A labrador guide dog named Amelia from Raunds wasn’t quite sure what to make of a new DPD delivery robot named Levi she encountered on a walk with her owner, David Holmes.

The unfamiliar whirring sound startled Amelia, leading her to bark. David realised later that the noise was from the DPD robot and it was Amelia’s first time seeing one.

David shared his experience on Facebook, and a DPD depot employee saw the post and offered assistance. Depot manager Gareth Chisholm contacted David and invited Amelia to the depot for a friendly introduction to Levi.

“I think it is fair to say, their first meeting wasn’t love at first sight,” Gareth admitted. However, the depot staff understood the importance of Amelia’s training and set up familiarisation exercises. With some treats and patience, Amelia and Levi were soon walking side-by-side like newfound friends.

David expressed his appreciation to Gareth and the team for their proactive approach. “The original Facebook post was just something light-hearted to share,” he said, “But it is great that they got in touch and invited us to the depot. She is an amazing dog, and she is trained to deal with so many different situations, but there is always something new.”

About DPD Delivery Robots and Dynamic Parcel Distribution

DPD’s robot delivery program, which began in Milton Keynes in 2022, is expanding to several more UK towns and cities. The robots operate within a one-mile radius of the depot, using existing footpaths for deliveries. Customers are notified beforehand and can track the robot’s progress to ensure they’re home for the delivery. This initiative aligns with DPD’s goal of becoming the UK’s most sustainable delivery company by 2040, with robot deliveries contributing to their net zero target.

DPD – Voted Best in UK for Parcel Delivery

DPD are the leading parcel delivery company across UK and Europe, as voted by Martin Lewis’s recent MSE (Money Saving Expert) annual parcel delivery service poll. DPD and the DPD customer service team were voted the more reliable parcel delivery company in the UK for parcels services and the reliability for couriers services. DPD are constantly innovating their delivery processes, including the implementation of electric vehicles (EVs) and reliable next day delivery in certain regions across the UK.

The DPD delivery robots its just one of the reliable and efficient means of innovating the way your package arrives at your postcode, alongside innovations such as the DPD app (an efficient booking process and means to understanding your shipping in flight options).

DPD also offer Out of Locker services (a safe place for you to collect your package) and also highly affordable business courier services.