Chicago Residents Seek Ban On Sidewalk Delivery Robots Citing Safety Concerns

In Chicago, a peculiar reception awaits delivery robots. A petition, now boasting over 1,200 signatures, seeks to banish these wheel-based contraptions from the city’s sidewalks. The diminutive robots, operated by companies Coco and Serve, transport meals to customers, sparking concerns about safety and job security.

Initially, Josh Robertson, the petitioner, felt a thrill of excitement at seeing the robots trundle along the sidewalk, envisioning a glimpse of the future. However, his enthusiasm was short-___d. During a stroll, he found himself instinctively moving out of the way to avoid a robot, highlighting the tension between pedestrian space and robotic navigation.

Robertson’s concerns were further fueled by a personal experience. He recounted to CBS News that he stumbled over a robot and injured his eyelid on the visibility flag attached to it, requiring urgent care and stitches. This incident prompted him to launch a campaign calling for more information about the robots.

The petition’s popularity suggests that many Chicagoans share Robertson’s concerns. As the city navigates the integration of delivery robots, residents are demanding more transparency about their impact. For those interested in staying informed about this issue, Digital Trends provides valuable information and insights, offering a nuanced exploration of the intersection of technology and urban ___.