A dog walker was attacked by a Co-op robot despite the machine allegedly being programmed to avoid collisions, it has been claimed.

Brian Dawson, 56, says a shopping delivery bot rammed into his dog, Pippa, during an incident near a Co-op branch in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire.

Mr Dawson, a Tesco delivery driver, then kicked the droid and took Pippa ‘out of harm’s way’, The Sun reported. 

He shoved it onto its side which ‘triggered its alarm’ and made a ‘terrible racket’. Mr Dawson then forced the robot into an upright position before it allegedly retreated to the store.

The dog walker was left ‘furious’ by the incident and says he wants a serial number or QR code displayed on the droids so it is easier for customers to complain.

A dog walker in Milton Keynes claims he was attacked by a Co-op robot despite the machine allegedly being programmed to avoid collisions (stock photo)

Mr Dawson alleged the robot is ‘supposed to be programmed to stop if obstructed’ but suspects its sensors were not working properly.

‘It seemed to have a mind of its own,’ he said, adding: ‘What if it knocked a toddler in the road?’

He says he tried to complain to Co-op staff but was told by the manager that the robot was not his responsibility.

Co-op declined The Sun’s request for comment, reiterating that the bots are operated by Starship Technologies, the robot company launched by the co-founders of Skype. 

MailOnline has approached Co-op and Starship Technologies for comment.

Over the coronavirus lockdown, the popularity of the knee-high robots in Milton Keynes surged.

The shopping bots look like small white plastic boxes mounted on six wheels, kitted out with a bright orange flag that is lit up at night, so motorists and pedestrians can see them while they trundles around (stock photo)

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The robots, which allow the delivery of groceries in as little as 20 minutes, even brought food for free to NHS workers. 

The shopping bots look like small white plastic boxes mounted on six wheels, kitted out with a bright orange flag that is lit up at night, so motorists and pedestrians can see them while they trundles around. 

The delivery robots were spotted in December forming an orderly queue to use a pedestrian crossing – with one asking a passer-by to press the button for them. 

Starship has previously said the robots are not ‘shy’ are happy to ask strangers for help when they needed it.