A scheme to expand the use of food delivery robots in Cambridge is being questioned due to the area’s ‘narrow and potholed pavements’ and the suitability of the robots for the terrain.
A key concern surrounds whether or not the robots will be able to use Cambridge’s pavements.
Robotics company Starship Technology has been running the robot pilots across Cambourne on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council since May.
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The robot’s use of space has also been raised as a potential issue, especially for the accessibility of public spaces for people who use wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
A report presented to the Highways and Transport Committee earlier this week suggested there was “overwhelming support” for the Cambourne bots.
However, the report also claimed it was “likely” the robots could be defined as “mechanically propelled vehicle”, meaning they were not suitable for pavement use. County councillor Alan Sharp responded to the report suggesting that, if this were to be the outcome, he was “not sure where the council could go from then”.
There are now plans to expand the trial to the Longstanton and Northstowe areas and south east Cambridge, specifically in Cherry Hinton, Romsey, and Queen Edith’s.
Cycling advocacy group CamCycle raised concerns about the robots operability in these areas. A group spokesperson said: “Does anyone really believe that a trial of these robots would work in a place like Romsey with uneven, potholed pavements, covered with parked cars?
“Is it really fair to add another obstruction to people attempting to walk, wheel and push buggies in this area?”
David Allatt, assistant director for transport strategy and network management at the council, said: “The area of south east Cambridge will indeed be a challenge, there are some areas which are not suitable and would not be covered by the robots.
“Very narrow footways may be excluded to avoid obstruction with people attempting to walk, wheel, or push buggies.
“This is just a trial, we know that there is legislation still to come.
“We know that the Department for Transport is very interested in this technology and will be putting out legislation in due course.
“In discussion with other areas that have got these robots running around their networks we felt that it was an appropriate step to almost help that process, to help to understand how this technology can work on the network in a way that is safe.”
The council has claimed that the robots offer the benefit of fewer short car journeys and the delivery of essential items to those with mobility impairments.
