Driverless vehicles and sidewalk delivery robots are increasing across Los Angeles, with Waymo cars and food-delivery bots operating in many neighborhoods. Serve Robotics deployed 500 robots across 40 neighborhoods, up from two neighborhoods in 2023, while Coco Robotics has about 300 robots and plans further expansion. Residents express mixed feelings, especially where sidewalk dining and pedestrian traffic are common. Some cities consider limits or moratoriums, including Glendale and Chicago. Concerns include added obstacles for pedestrians and reduced work opportunities for delivery drivers, even when some robots are human-controlled. Supporters note the robots do not emit exhaust fumes or add to road traffic, and they can be perceived as cute despite occasional accidents.
"And when they're not accidentally smashing the glass on bus shelters, they achieve R2-D2 levels of cuteness, manipulating us with little nametags and blinking digital eyes. Is resisting the robots simply denying the future of food delivery? Inspiring both pity and hate'"
Read at www.theguardian.com
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