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DELIVERY ROBOTS : BETWEEN EMPATHY AND CHALLENGES IN URBAN DELIVERIES

Delivery robots are becoming a common presence in cities around the world, from England to the United States, making hundreds of daily deliveries of food and packages.

However, their operation is not always perfect. A recent Wall Street Journal article revealed curious and unexpected aspects of how these robots interact with the urban environment and people.

AUTOMATED DELIVERIES.

The delivery robots, similar to technologically advanced trolleys, are equipped with navigation systems similar to those of autonomous cars.

They can be refrigerated and are programmed to move between streets and sidewalks, delivering lunches ordered online or last-minute groceries. These robots can avoid obstacles, cross streets at traffic lights, and get on and off sidewalks thanks to slides. 

But what happens when something goes wrong?

Fannie Osran, a UC Berkeley student, recounted finding a delivery robot stuck in a flowerbed while trying to avoid a ladder. Mercifully, she helped the robot get back on its path. In gratitude, the robot showed little hearts on the display.

This episode raises a new debate about the human-machine relationship, highlighting how humans are now assisting robots.

VULNERABLE ROBOTS. 

"These robots are completely helpless and at the mercy of anyone. Some people stop them to take selfies, others vandalize them or just bump into them, push them off the road and leave them with their wheels in the air,",recounted student Fannie.

There is no shortage of technical problems as well, another student in fact witnessed a traffic jam between four robots at an intersection, which was resolved only with the intervention of a human who unblocked the situation.

It therefore becomes crucial for manufacturers to develop empathetic robots, capable of earning the trust and sympathy of the people with whom they share urban spaces.

Starship Technology, a San Francisco start-up, conducted tests by placing distressed robots in different parts of the city to study human reactions.

It has found that people are more likely to help robots when they make sounds or moans that indicate a distress call.

Other companies are working on robots that can ask for help and thank people for their assistance.

Robot design is also important, so manufacturers have removed the large laser sensors that made them look threatening.

Alex Chen, a Berkeley student, held a wake for a robot that died during a delivery due to a fire caused by a defective lithium battery. More than 60 people attended the event, holding candles as a sign of respect.

It is an ever-evolving world. As these machines become more and more present in our cities, the interaction between humans and robots opens new perspectives on how to coexist and collaborate in an increasingly automated environment.