The increasing presence of autonomous urban delivery vehicles, commonly known as delivery robots, on pavements in several countries, including the UK, is sparking a significant backlash. Initially viewed as a futuristic convenience, these machines, which use cameras, sensors, and GPS to navigate, are now drawing criticism from the public and local authorities over safety, accessibility, and a perceived lack of regulation.
In the United States, particularly in cities like Chicago and Glendale, California, residents and councillors are expressing serious concerns. John Roberts, a Chicago resident, initially found the robots 'neat' but changed his view after his family had to dodge one on a footpath. He has since launched a petition, gathering around 4,400 signatures, calling for a suspension of the robots in Chicago until comprehensive safety tests are conducted and clear usage rules are established. Roberts highlights instances where pedestrians have had to step into the street to avoid robots, and reports of minor collisions, such as being struck by a robot's safety flag, and robots blocking emergency vehicles due to erratic behaviour at crossings.
Similarly, in Glendale, the local council is considering a temporary ban. Councillor Ardy Kassakhian noted that the robots appeared without warning, leading to uncertainty about their operators and regulatory authority. Kassakhian detailed concerns about increased robot visibility in the downtown area, their impact on pedestrian movement and accessibility, and broader implications for workers and public spaces. With narrow pavements in Glendale, Kassakhian has personally witnessed 'stand-offs' between robots and elderly individuals, as well as broken-down robots causing obstructions. The council is now seeking a regulated approach, including operating rules, insurance requirements, accessibility standards, and accountability for operators.
The situation is not exclusive to the US. In the UK, where delivery robots are being piloted in various cities, public discontent has also emerged. There have been reports of vandalism targeting Uber Eats vehicles in Sheffield, supplied by Starship Technologies. The company, however, maintains that their robots are safe and polite. Danny Pass, European Operations Director for Starship Technologies, acknowledged that sharing pavements with robots is a new experience for many but stressed that the machines are programmed to be careful and integrate smoothly into communities.
The debate underscores a wider challenge for integrating new autonomous technologies into existing urban environments. While proponents argue the robots offer useful services and can reduce traffic and emissions, critics emphasise the need for robust regulatory frameworks that prioritise pedestrian safety, accessibility, and public space management before widespread deployment.
The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) would be instrumental in setting data privacy standards for the cameras and sensors used by these robots, ensuring public data is handled responsibly. Furthermore, the forthcoming EU AI Act, which could influence UK regulatory approaches post-Brexit, outlines risk classifications for AI systems, including those used in public spaces, potentially requiring high-risk assessments for autonomous delivery vehicles to ensure safety and transparency.
Source: BBC News