Key facts
- Delivery robots are facing backlash in cities worldwide due to concerns about sidewalk obstruction and pedestrian safety.
Delivery robots are encountering growing opposition in cities worldwide due to concerns over sidewalk obstruction, pedestrian safety, and potential job displacement. While operators tout their efficiency and safety, some residents and local authorities are pushing for bans or stricter regulations.
The increasing deployment of delivery robots raises significant questions about urban infrastructure, pedestrian rights, public safety, and the future of work in the gig economy, prompting varied regulatory responses globally.
Delivery robots, designed to transport groceries and fast food, are becoming a common sight on sidewalks in various cities across the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, and Germany. These autonomous vehicles use cameras, sensors, and GPS to navigate. Operators claim they are safe, can avoid obstacles, and help reduce traffic and emissions.
However, public and official reception has been mixed. In Chicago, resident John Roberts has launched a campaign and petition against the robots, citing instances where pedestrians had to dodge them and expressing concerns about safety, potential collisions, and obstruction of emergency vehicles. He advocates for a suspension until safety tests and clear usage rules are established. Similar sentiments have led San Francisco to limit robot access to less busy areas and Toronto to ban them from sidewalks entirely.
Glendale, California, is considering a temporary ban, with Councillor Ardy Kassakhian highlighting issues of accessibility, pedestrian movement, and the lack of prior permission for businesses to use public sidewalks. He also noted concerns about the impact on workers and public spaces, and personal observations of robots causing obstructions.
In the UK, some delivery robots have faced vandalism. Starship Technologies, a key operator, insists its robots are safe and have integrated well into communities since 2018. Conversely, the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is worried about the potential for widespread job losses among delivery drivers, urging for bans to protect precarious workers.
Despite these controversies, analysts predict a substantial growth in the delivery robot market, with projections of over 2 million in operation worldwide by 2034. The current regulatory landscape is described as a 'hotchpotch,' with countries like South Korea and Japan adopting more liberal approaches.