Who Moves? Delivery Robots or You on Crowded City Sidewalks!

Delivery robots are becoming a common sight in cities like Leeds, Sheffield, and Barnsley. These small, white robots with black wheels are made by Starship Technologies, a company that has been using them to deliver groceries and other items since 2018. The company says it has completed over two million deliveries in the UK so far. If the government changes the law, Starship Technologies plans to build even more robots in Britain and expand their use across the country.

However, not everyone is happy about these robots. A charity called Living Streets is worried that delivery robots are making pavements too crowded. They say that people in wheelchairs, those who are visually impaired, and parents with prams are finding it harder to get around because the robots take up space on the sidewalks. Zak Viney from Living Streets says, 'Our pavements are for everyone, but for wheelchair users, those who are visually impaired, and parents pushing prams, we actually have quite cluttered pavements. For us, delivery robots present an issue. They've been brought in with no national framework and they're blocking pavements for some of the most vulnerable people within our society. '

People in Leeds have mixed feelings about the robots. Marley, who lives in the city, says, 'They are in the way a lot of the time. You're the one who has to move. ' Marley is also concerned about the cameras on the robots and wonders where the video data goes and if it is safe. Oran, another Leeds resident, does not like the robots either. Oran says, 'It feels really sinister. I'm not a fan. I don't know why they're even on the path. '

On the other hand, some people support the robots. Isobel, who often sees the robots while out walking, says she was scared the first time she saw one, but now she thinks they are great. 'If people are there, or a car is coming or anything, they stop,' she says. 'I think they're most polite. ' Ray, who lives near Hyde Park in Leeds, also sees the positive side. He says the robots 'just tootle along keeping out of the way, and they stop if they're interrupted. '

Living Streets has started a campaign asking the government not to legalise delivery robots and to stop what they call 'pavement overload. ' They have sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, asking for clear rules about the robots. The government says they will update the law as soon as possible and will ask the public for their opinions. A government spokesperson said, 'We welcome innovation and advances in technology have the potential to boost our economy. But it's vital the safety of pedestrians and vulnerable road users is put first. '

Starship Technologies says they care about people with disabilities and work with disability charities to improve their robots. They say that 25 percent of their regular customers have a disability or live with someone who does. The company says the cameras and sensors on the robots are only there to help them move safely and not for any other purpose.

As delivery robots become more common, people will have to decide if they are a helpful new technology or a problem for those who need safe and clear pavements. The government will need to make rules to keep everyone safe while allowing new ideas to grow. For now, the debate continues in cities across the UK.