Carli Clesmere 
If you’ve been in Jersey City in the last few years, you’ve probably spotted small robot rolling down the sidewalk with someone’s lunch inside. But until recently, that was only a Jersey City scenario. The last few months, however, there have been rumblings that delivery robots would be making their way to Hoboken. Sure enough, those food delivery robots may be coming sooner rather than later, according to new legislation being introduced as early as next week. Read on for what we know about delivery robots possibly coming to the Mile Square.
So, Are Delivery Robots Coming to Hoboken?
With murmurs of delivery robots possibly making their way to Hoboken, The Hoboken Girl team reached out to the City of Hoboken to get the scoop. Here’s what Comms Director Marilyn Baer had to say:
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“The City’s Department of Transportation and Parking is working with the Hoboken City Council Transportation Subcommittee to proactively develop regulations for delivery robots before considering their operation in Hoboken,” she explained, noting that there was interest from multiple companies.
“[City council members] are working on legislation that may be introduced as soon as next week. If adopted at a future meeting, the Administration could then consider a contract with a provider for a limited pilot program which would need approval by the City Council.”
But, she notes, “The City would not allow delivery robots to operate now without an appropriate regulatory framework in place.”
In other words: delivery robots are not allowed in Hoboken right now, but the city is working on rules that could open the door for a future pilot program, and that may be happening VERY soon.
What Are Delivery Robots + How Do They Work?
According to NJBIZ, Jersey City became the first East Coast location to test the Uber Eats and Avride robot delivery program. The service has grown to include more than 100 restaurants in neighborhoods like Journal Square and McGinley Square.
The robots can travel up to five miles per hour and have a 31-mile battery range, using cameras and software to navigate city streets, crosswalks, and obstacles. Customers can track the robot through the Uber Eats app and unlock the delivery hatch when it arrives.
Safety Concerns Around Delivery Robots
While some people may love the tiny sidewalk robots and their lil heart eyes, the technology has also raised safety concerns. According to News 12 New Jersey, a New Jersey cyclist recently filed a lawsuit after alleging a delivery robot hit him, resulting in a broken shoulder and a head injury.
The incident has sparked questions about how the robots should operate in busy cities and who is responsible if something goes wrong. For now, Hoboken officials say delivery robots will not be allowed to operate in the city without a proper regulatory framework in place.
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If legislation moves forward, a limited pilot program would still need approval from the Hoboken City Council before any robot deliveries start rolling through town. Our team has reached out to city council members as well and will update this piece upon response.
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