The next time you order delivery for dinner, it might arrive by robot now that Vancouver has approved a six-month delivery robot pilot program.
The motion, which was passed by Vancouver councillors on Wednesday, would see food delivery robots in downtown Vancouver and the Kitsilano area. The robots will be operated by Serve Robotics, a U.S.-based company that offers similar services in American cities like Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and more.
According to the motion submitted by Councillor Mike Klassen, this pilot program would “allow for a thoughtful and pragmatic approach to testing emerging technology while maintaining public safety, accessibility, and engagement.”
Those in favour of the motions shared that robot deliveries would reduce emissions due to them being powered by electricity, in addition to helping the city embrace innovation and new technology.
This reduction in emissions is also a big selling point for Serve Robotics. On its website, it shares that delivery robots could reduce global emissions by around two per cent annually.
However, other councillors said that there needs to be proper oversight over this pilot program, specifically when it comes to the way the implementation of robot deliveries could impact pedestrians, current delivery workers, and people with disabilities.
“It doesn’t necessarily replace food delivery that’s already happening through vehicles and potentially on bicycles, but it’s a way of doing something that’s automated and hopefully more affordable in the long run as well,” Klassen said.
OneCity Counsellor Lucy Maloney also added that delivery robots have not been a universally positive experience in other cities, giving Toronto as an example, which banned food delivery robots over potential hazards to people with limited vision and mobility challenges.
“They can block pathways and curb cuts, and there have been significant near-misses between robots and pedestrians in other cities, often with robots at fault,” Maloney told City Council, adding that they also pose a risk of collision-related injuries, especially for children who may suffer head or torso trauma.
As for the reason for starting with Kitsilano and downtown Vancouver, it was due to their dense forms of housing, so the distance these robots have to travel would be shorter.
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When it comes to Vancouverites opinions, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. On the r/vancouver subreddit, many added to the discourse, sharing concerns over the implementation of robot deliveries.
“Vancouver sidewalks are already small and in terrible condition. Why do we have to share them with delivery robots now?” said one person.
“Can’t wait to see elderly people and folks in wheelchairs having a stand off with these useless fuckin clankers,” added another.
“Ken Sim continually selling out our streets to American companies. These contracts should go to Canadian companies. Lime scooters should not be here, and neither should these,” shared a third.
While the overall opinion on the subreddit was negative, there were some people who saw the addition in a more positive light.
“I have genuinely no idea why this subreddit is up in arms over this… Would you rather some underpaid worker deliver you your Starbucks frappuccino?” said one person.
“Do a quick study, sure, but it’s obvious that they are replacing the oven mitt wearing crew, whose bikes are clearly a bigger danger,” said another.
There was also a group of people who shared that they thought the robots would be stolen and pillaged for parts.
“Bots are going to get shanked in under a week,” said one Reddit user.
“Pretty sure the damaged empty husk of some robots are going to mysteriously end up in the SROs,” added another.
“What are these worth in scrap? Asking for a friend,” pondered a third.
Are you for or against the robot delivery pilot program? Let us know in the comments.