A West Hollywood resident, Mark Chaney-Gay, recently experienced a troubling encounter with a delivery robot on the city’s sidewalks, raising concerns about the safety and accessibility of such technology. The incident, captured in a viral video, shows Chaney-Gay trying to navigate around a Serve Robotics delivery robot, which repeatedly blocked his path on September 13. Although Chaney-Gay managed to keep a humorous outlook on the situation, he emphasized the serious accessibility issues that these robots could pose.
Describing the encounter, Chaney-Gay remarked, “I just went toe-to-toe with a robot, objectively funny, but also concerning,” highlighting the potential risks these devices present. According to him, as he attempted to overtake the robot, it persistently veered into his way and at one point, nearly collided with him and his scooter, resulting in a sudden jolt backwards. While he was not injured, Chaney-Gay shared the incident on social media to increase public awareness about such issues. He expressed particular concern for individuals with mobility challenges, noting, “If I would have been on my crutches… and it stopped in front of me, I would have fallen.”
In response to the incident, Serve Robotics issued a statement acknowledging failure in the robot’s safety system, which is intended to predict pedestrian movements and yield accordingly. The company clarified that the robot’s fail-safe mode engaged too late, resulting in it becoming an obstacle instead of stepping aside as designed. Serve Robotics expressed regret, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring their robots do not impede others, especially those with disabilities.
Chaney-Gay underlined that the problem extends beyond merely enhancing the technology; the presence of these robots on the streets already poses challenges that need immediate addressing. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged awareness of the event but stated no investigation is underway since no crime was committed.
This incident underscores the broader debate over the integration of autonomous robots in public spaces and their potential implications for accessibility and pedestrian safety. As technological advancements continue to unfold, these concerns highlight the importance of vigilant oversight and continuous improvement to ensure that innovations serve rather than hinder community needs.