Delivery robots are increasingly navigating American streets, but their presence is not without controversy. Several cities have implemented restrictions or outright bans on the autonomous vehicles due to public backlash and safety concerns.
In Chicago, resident Josh Robertson has launched a petition calling for a suspension of the robots across the city pending safety tests and clear usage regulations. Robertson claims that people are frequently forced into the street to avoid the machines and cites reports of collisions, injuries, and robots blocking emergency vehicles. "We had to get out of the way," he stated, describing common interactions with the robots.
San Francisco has limited the operational areas for these robots to less busy parts of the city. Similarly, Toronto has prohibited them from using sidewalks since 2021. Chicago has also banned the robots from two small areas within the city.
Despite these local restrictions, companies operating the robots assert that their vehicles can reliably identify and avoid obstacles, cross streets safely, and react to their surroundings. They argue that the robots provide a valuable service, potentially reducing traffic congestion and emissions.
Robertson's petition in Chicago has gathered approximately 4,400 signatures. He also reported an incident where a person was struck by a robot's safety flag, which he found ironic given the technology's intended purpose. The ongoing debate highlights a growing tension between the adoption of new delivery technologies and the need to ensure public safety and accessibility on urban pathways.