Residents in Chicago are expressing their dissatisfaction with the growing presence of delivery robots on the city’s sidewalks. A petition calling for a ban on these robots has gained significant traction, highlighting concerns about safety, accessibility, and privacy.
Delivery Robots on Chicago Sidewalks
Delivery robots from companies like Coco and Serve are navigating Chicago’s sidewalks to deliver meals to customers. However, not everyone is happy about this technological advancement. A petition launched by Josh Robertson has gathered over 1,200 signatures, calling for the removal of these robots from sidewalks.
Safety Concerns
Robertson initially found the robots intriguing but became concerned after encountering one during a walk. He now advocates for more information about the robots’ impact on safety and jobs. Incidents have been reported, including a man who required stitches after colliding with a robot.
Privacy Issues
Privacy advocates are also worried about the robots’ cameras and potential data collection in public spaces. Coco, one of the companies operating these robots, has expressed willingness to discuss concerns with Robertson and other residents.
Regulations in Other Cities
In other cities, such as San Francisco, regulations have already been implemented to limit the number of robots and restrict their operation to areas with low pedestrian traffic.
Looking Ahead
As the debate over delivery robots continues in Chicago, it remains to be seen whether city officials will take action to regulate their use.
