Autonomous delivery robots are now cruising the sidewalks of Markham, Ontario, as part of a groundbreaking three-month pilot project that may lead to a national rollout. The four bots, developed by Waterloo-based Real Life Robotics in partnership with food delivery app Skip, can carry up to 60 kilograms of food and deliver within a two-kilometre radius of selected restaurants.
The robots display expressive digital faces and operate daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Users in the pilot zone can opt for robot delivery when ordering on the Skip app.
Sharif Virani of Real Life Robotics says children are especially drawn to the bots, viewing them as friendly additions to the community. This initiative is the first municipally authorized public robot delivery trial in Canada, following the end of similar programs in Toronto and Ottawa over safety concerns.
Despite past bans citing potential risks to vulnerable pedestrians, Virani argues these robots are both safe and economically vital, pointing to high business costs and declining entrepreneurship.
The robots move at about 5 km/h and are currently monitored by a human guide and a remote operator to ensure smooth operation.
Real Life Robotics aims to expand to 500 robots across Canadian cities over the next three years. The bots are seen as a low-emission, congestion-free alternative to traditional couriers.
Local reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with users like Soban Khan praising the convenience and innovation of the service.
Robot guide Josephine Yang encourages pedestrians to treat the robots like fellow sidewalk users, while others, like Ryan Liyanage, are curious to see how society will interact with the new technology.
Swifteradio.com
