Delivery robots are spreading across LA. Residents ‘both pity and hate them’
Delivery robots are increasingly present in Los Angeles, causing mixed reactions among residents. While some find them cute and environmentally friendly, others see them as obstacles that disrupt pedestrian traffic and threaten delivery jobs. The expansion of these robots has sparked debates in various cities about their impact on walkability and local employment.
- ▪Serve Robotics deployed 500 delivery robots in 40 neighborhoods across Los Angeles this month.
- ▪Residents express mixed feelings, with some describing the robots as a nuisance that blocks foot traffic.
- ▪Concerns have been raised about job losses for delivery drivers due to the rise of these robots.
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A delivery robot in Santa Monica on 14 August 2024. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA delivery robot in Santa Monica on 14 August 2024. Photograph: James D Morgan/Getty ImagesLos AngelesDelivery robots are spreading across LA. Residents ‘both pity and hate them’A region known for its lack of walkability now has more obstacles for pedestrians to contend withMatthew Cantor in Los AngelesMon 25 May 2026 10.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 25 May 2026 10.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleRobots have taken over Los Angeles.It’s not just the AI-generated videos that have caused angst in Hollywood. Our streets are full of driverless Waymo vehicles, covered in more sensors and gadgets than the Batmobile.
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