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A viral video shows roughly a dozen Coco Robotics delivery robots swarming a Chicago sidewalk near Lincoln Park, raising wheelchair access concerns.

Chicago Alderman Daniel La Spata prohibited robotics delivery companies from expanding into his Ward following intense community feedback.

YouTube video by Random Box Fan (inactive)

Chicago gave away its parking meters. Now delivery robots are claiming its sidewalks. One family name connects both deals.

Vancouver city councillors have approved a six-month pilot program to test food delivery robots in the downtown and Kitsilano neighbourhoods starting this fall. The initiative, run by U.S.-based Serve Robotics, aims to reduce emissions and explore automated 'last mile' delivery solutions. While proponents highlight the energy efficiency of the electrically powered robots and their potential to lower delivery costs, some councillors and experts caution that proper oversight is essential. Concerns include pedestrian safety, accessibility for people with disabilities, and potential impacts on current delivery workers. Serve Robotics has operated similar robots in Los Angeles since 2019 and conducted a short trial in Vancouver in 2022. The robots navigate autonomously but can request human intervention when needed. The pilot will allow the city to gather data to inform future policies, working alongside the provincial government, which regulates sidewalk and street use. Vancouver officials emphasise the importance of setting clear rules to ensure the robots operate safely and responsibly, noting the experiences of other cities like Toronto, where delivery robots were banned due to hazards. The trial also raises broader questions about automation and its effects on entry-level employment in the food delivery sector.

It's been a bad week for burritos on wheels.

Drivers across the US are being upstaged by cutsey delivery robots as companies like Coco and Serve Robotics expand their operations.

Amazon’s Delivery Robots Are Closer Than You Think: A Move Toward More Efficient, Contactless DeliveryAs the world grapples with the challenges of sustainable logistics and environmental impact, Amazon has announced plans for autonomous delivery robots. These advancements are poised to revolutionize last-mile delivery, bringing efficiency and sustainability closer than ever before.How They Work:Amazon aims to deploy autonomous delivery robots soon, likely starting in cities across the United States and expanding globally. These robots will use AI to predict demand patterns, optimize delivery routes, and adjust based on real-time data. By doing so, Amazon plans to reduce the reliance on physical workers while making deliveries faster and more consistent.The Impact:The introduction of these robots is expected to transform how packages are handled. They will make smaller stops at pickup points and then package them for delivery. This approach not only cuts down on labor costs but also reduces the carbon footprint, as there’s no need for boxes left behind.Sustainability:One of the most notable benefits is the potential for significant environmental impact reduction. Unlike traditional last-mile delivery systems, where packages are never left on the ground, Amazons robots will deliver to multiple locations simultaneously. This reduced reliance on labor and even more efficient movement can make a substantial difference in sustainability efforts.Future Possibilities:While the current phase focuses on development, Amazon is not stopping at the launch. They anticipate that future advancements, including improved AI systems and infrastructure, could bring even higher efficiency and accessibility. This phase may also hint at plans to integrate other delivery methods as they develop further.In conclusion, Amazon’s ambitious move towards autonomous delivery robots signals a shift toward faster, more efficient, and contactless last-mile delivery. As the rollout unfolds, we can expect to see a greener, more sustainable way of handling our needs while waiting for this groundbreaking technology to take root.------Source: #News

“Chicago sidewalks are for people, not delivery robots,” so says a petition that seeks to rid the city’s streets of the wheel-based contraptions. Two robot companies — Coco and Serve — are operating...