Waitrose has partnered with AI specialist company Satalia to develop its delivery network and offer customers greater convenience.

The collaboration involves using artificial intelligence to optimise delivery routes, which helps the retailer to cut down travel times and minimise overall fuel consumption.

The AI-driven platform is designed to offer real-time optimisation which takes into account different variables, including traffic conditions, vehicle capability and delivery time windows.

James Lee, head of fulfilment at Waitrose, said: “Delivering the best possible experience for our customers has always been at the heart of what we do.

“Working with Satalia allows us to offer even greater convenience while taking another important step toward our goal of reducing emissions and operating more sustainably.”

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The partnership aims to give customers more accurate delivery times lower the carbon footprint of the delivery fleet.

The solution has now rolled out across Waitrose’s network of 170 stores, two customer fulfilment centres and a fleet of 1,400 vans which will support 160,000 home deliveries each week.

According to the business, the high-street retailer has seen improvements across its delivery operations since using the platform.

This includes a year-on-year 8 per cent reduction in delivery mileage and a 12 per cent increase in drops per route.

This move doubles down on Waitrose’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility within its operations.