Backlash rises as delivery robots roll into cities

Autonomous delivery robots are rolling out in cities worldwide, praised for convenience and potential emissions reductions but sparking sidewalk safety concerns, traffic disruptions, and regulatory pushback. San Francisco, Toronto, Chicago, and Glendale have restricted or debated bans, while unions warn of job losses. Proponents argue for safer, more efficient urban mobility, and analysts project millions of these robots by 2034, prompting calls for clear operating rules, insurance, and accessibility standards.