When Josh Robertson, a resident of Chicago, encountered a delivery robot for the first time on his street, he was impressed by its futuristic appearance. However, his opinion shifted when he had to maneuver around another robot while out for a walk with his family, feeling inconvenienced by the need to make way for it on the designated walking path. The autonomous urban delivery vehicles, equipped with cameras, sensors, and GPS, have been introduced in various cities worldwide to transport groceries and fast food.
Despite the companies operating these robots claiming their ability to navigate safely and contribute to reducing traffic congestion and emissions, some local authorities in the US and Canada, as well as the public, have shown resistance. Measures such as bans and protests have been initiated in response to concerns about safety and obstruction.
In San Francisco, restrictions have been placed on where the robots can operate, while Toronto has outright prohibited them from using sidewalks since 2021. In Chicago, the use of these robots has been restricted in specific areas. Robertson has launched a petition demanding a city-wide suspension of the robots until safety assessments are conducted and clear regulations are established. The petition has garnered approximately 4,400 signatures.
Reports of incidents involving collisions, injuries, and traffic disruptions caused by the robots have fueled the opposition. Concerns have also surfaced in Glendale, California, where the council is contemplating a temporary ban due to issues related to accessibility, pedestrian movement, and regulatory oversight.
Regulatory frameworks and operational guidelines are being sought by councils globally to address the challenges posed by the deployment of delivery robots. In the UK, where trials are ongoing in several cities, some residents have resorted to vandalism against the robots. The supplier, Starship Technologies, asserts the safety of the robots and advocates for a shift in public perception to embrace their presence on sidewalks.
