News

Robots to deliver Coca-Cola products to customers at Alton Towers

robot image2

22/08/2019

Innovation, Investors, Action on Supply Chain, Customers |

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP), the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottler, is piloting robotic technology at Alton Towers Resort to help deliver some of the nation’s favourite beverages to customers, as part of its Ventures innovation investment fund.

CCEP Ventures is working with autonomous driving experts TeleRetail to test this state-of-the-art technology in a unique, high-traffic location. During this trial, the robot will collect products from the Alton Towers distribution centre and deliver them to drinks outlets across the park, using artificial intelligence to manoeuvre around the thousands of visitors during the peak summer season.

The robot travels at 3mph and distances of up to 50km. It is equipped with GPS technology, sight, sound and motion sensors to safely navigate around people and objects. It also uses laser sensors to judge the distance to potential obstacles, enabling it to stop safely and avoid collisions.

This technology was developed by TeleRetail to help fulfil the rapidly growing need for effective logistics solutions. In the future, the software could be used on different sized vehicles to solve a range of delivery problems. If successful, the trial could change the way CCEP delivers products to its customers and transform the experience of Alton Towers’ consumers.

This is one of three pilots taking place in industrial, retail and pedestrian environments – to capture data and improve the quality of the software.

Leendert Den Hollander, Vice President and General Manager at Coca-Cola European Partners, said: “We areseeking out leading-edge technology start-ups and helping them to grow through access to expertise and the opportunity to test and refine their innovative solutions.

“The TeleRetail robots are a perfect example of how we are trialling technology that could enable 24/7 on-demand logistic services and eventually be something that can be scaled up to larger vehicles.

“By developing technology, solutions and processes, we can improve the way we operate, to better serve our customers and consumers – now and in the future.”

Neil Crittenden, Commercial Director at Alton Towers Resort, said: “Our business has been built on innovation so we’re thrilled to be hosting this trial. From developing ground-breaking rollercoasters to exploring the best way to serve customers across our 500 acre site, we are always on the lookout for new ideas.

“If the trial is successful, there are many potential applications for this technology at Alton Towers.  Who knows, in the future guests may be able to order drinks from the queue line to be delivered by robots when they finish a ride, or we could see automated room service deliveries across our 700 hotel rooms. The possibilities are huge.”

Xenia Scholl, Co-Founder of TeleRetail, said: “This is a fantastic location to test our robot and showcase how it can make safe decisions when delivering in a very busy place.

“The robot is set to drive at pedestrian walking speed in the park during the pilot project. It's exciting to see how park visitors positively react to the Robot and interact with it.

“Our self-driving technology inside the robot is called ‘Aito’. It drives the robot autonomously and is constantly being advanced for use at higher speed in vehicles of different sizes. It uses satellite images for navigation and is developed with the support of the European Space Agency.

“Seeing our robot at work in this magical setting full of innovative machines and experiences is really exciting and certainly sparks the imagination for future uses of the technology.”

ENDS

Media Relations

Roxanne Postle, Coca-Cola European Partners: 07528 251097

Lizzie Roberts, Alton Towers Resort:  07894 003295

About Coca-Cola European Partners

Coca-Cola European Partners plc is a leading consumer goods company in Western Europe, making, selling and distributing an extensive range of non-alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages and is the world's largest Coca-Cola bottler based on revenue.

Coca-Cola European Partners serves a consumer population of over 300 million across Western Europe, including Andorra, Belgium, continental France, Germany, Great Britain, Iceland, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.

The Company is listed on Euronext Amsterdam, the New York Stock Exchange, London Stock Exchange and on the Spanish Stock Exchanges, trading under the symbol CCEP. For more information about CCEP, please visit our website at www.ccep.com and follow CCEP on Twitter at @CocaColaEP.

About Alton Towers Resort

Alton Towers Resort is Britain’s Greatest Escape with rides, attractions and entertainment for thrill-seekers, families and kids of all ages! 

The Staffordshire Resort is home to seven world-class rollercoasters including the latest addition Wicker Man that brings together wood and fire, the iconic twists and turns of Nemesis, Oblivion’s vertical drop and The Smiler’s world-record 14 inversions.

For families with younger members, head over to CBeebies Land where two brand new attractions will join the much-loved characters and themed attractions for 2019.  Guests can also discover Sharkbait Reef by SEA LIFE, learn to drive at Cuckoo Cars Driving School, catch the Runaway Mine Train or enjoy the spins and thrills on Spinball Whizzer!

New for 2019, laugh and scream through Staffordshire’s darkest history in the Alton Towers Dungeon and enjoy the great outdoors with a stay in the new Stargazing Pods. 

Alton Towers Resort is part of Merlin Entertainments Plc.