San Francisco officials have voted to restrict where delivery robots can go in the city. Companies have begun trialling small robots that can deliver food and other goods. Start-ups will have to get permits to use such bots, which will be restricted to less crowded urban areas. Opponents are concerned about the safety of pedestrians, particularly elderly people and children.The delivery robots use sensors and lasers in a similar way to self-driving cars in order to navigate their routes. Robotics company Marble began testing in San Francisco earlier this year. Other companies, such as Starship and Postmates, are also keen to use pavements for robot deliveries.
San Francisco is falling behind other states such as Virginia and Idaho where there are already laws permitting delivery robots to operate.