Robotic Last-Mile Delivery Gains Momentum as RTIH Innovation Awards Recognize Industry Leaders
LONDON – October 16, 2025 – the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards highlighted the growing impact of autonomous delivery solutions, with a record number of submissions demonstrating resilience and innovation in the retail sector. The awards,presented at a sold-out event at The HAC in Central London,recognized companies pioneering advancements in retail technology.
A key focus area at the awards was last-mile delivery, specifically the collaborative efforts of teams at Starship Technologies and Uber Eats. These partnerships are expanding robotic delivery services across both Europe and the United States, addressing challenges in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
This year’s winners included VoCoVo, Everseen, Sensei, Gander, Iceland, Olio, Trust Retail, East of England Co-op, Lekkerland SE, Poq, Mamas & Papas, Varner, Sitoo, and Zebra Technologies. The awards received a record number of entries,reflecting the dynamism of the retail space. A complete list of shortlisted entries is available here.
“This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here,then moved to London Bridge Hotel,then The Barbican,and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End,” said Scott Thompson,Founder and Editor of RTIH,during his welcome speech. “But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby.So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
Thompson added, “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
The event, hosted by award-winning comedian, actress, and writer Tiff Stevenson, featured a drinks reception, three-course meal, and awards ceremony. Congratulations were extended to all winners, sponsors, the judging panel, and attendees.
