Just Eat Delivery Robots Spark Safety Concerns After Councillor’s Dog Nearly Hit

A trial of just eat delivery robots on Gloucester Road in Bristol has prompted a council investigation after a councillor’s small dog narrowly avoided being hit by one of the machines, officials and local representatives said. The rollout, run in partnership with Delivers. AI, has raised fresh questions about public safety and local oversight.

Just Eat Delivery Robots Prompt Council Probe

Bristol City Council was not informed in advance of the small-scale trial and currently does not have a policy governing the use of delivery robots. Council staff have been asked to examine how the trial is being conducted and what permissions, if any, were required. Council members raised the issue at a recent meeting after Green councillor Emma Edwards’s very small dog narrowly avoided being struck while out on Gloucester Road.

Residents and Experts Raise Safety and Accessibility Concerns

Councillor Ed Plowden, chair of the transport policy committee, warned that the introduction of the devices could create new risks for residents and criticised parts of the delivery industry for externalising risk. He said the incident involving the councillor’s dog suggested the technology may need further work. A mechanical systems engineer working with the machines, Edwin Thompson, said he does not support the robots operating in the city and expressed concern they could create problems for people using pavements with mobility issues. He added: “I prefer a human delivering me my food. “

Company Response, Design Features and Next Steps

Just Eat said the trial had been carefully planned and that safety assessments were completed beforehand. The company noted the robots are equipped with cameras to navigate streets, are designed for pedestrian environments and operate at low speeds along pavements while transporting food. The pilot is run in partnership with Delivers. AI, and the operator said it has been working with a road safety charity to promote safe delivery practices. Council staff are now reviewing the trial and what permissions were required as the city considers whether formal rules or licensing will be needed for autonomous delivery devices.