Unfortunately, some of the robotic food delivery vehicles are taking a beating, with several viral videos showing people kicking the autonomous bots over and even stealing the products inside.
The surge in popularity of remote food delivery witnessed a significant rise during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend has endured, contributing to the ongoing success of various enterprises.
Regrettably, certain self-driving delivery vehicles are encountering challenges. As numerous viral videos depict individuals toppling these robots and even pilfering the items they carry.
Businesses employing autonomous delivery technology are now grappling with the impact of vandals and thieves disrupting the delivery process.
A case in point involves a man tipping over a food delivery robot. Sadly, instances of robotic delivery vehicles facing mistreatment are not uncommon. As various viral videos illustrate people kicking these self-driving bots and making off with their contents.
Public’s Mix Reaction
Steve Avila, the general manager of Blu Jam Café in Hollywood, shared, “We have to prepare the orders anew, but fortunately, we’re still compensated for that. I can perceive how [delivery companies] might be affected by this, particularly given the apparent high cost of [delivery robots].”
Despite occasional targeting of their technology, Serve Robots, a company overseeing numerous autonomous delivery vehicles in West Hollywood, boasts a remarkable 99.9 percent success rate in completing deliveries.
Another company has detailed the precautions in place to mitigate and respond to instances of vandalism.
According to a statement from Starship Technologies, “In the event of someone obstructing the robots, they will endeavor to navigate around them or politely request them to clear the way. If the situation escalates or the robot is tampered with, the robots are equipped with loud sirens, and all incidents are documented. Our robots remain secured at all times and feature a dozen cameras.”
Consequently, customers who patronize local small businesses hold onto the hope that the interference with the robots will cease.
Clark Childers, a customer of a small business in West Hollywood, commented, “These robots are aiding small businesses and causing no harm. It seems like people are merely seeking attention.”