Bristol's Just Eat Delivery Robot Trial Raises Safety Concerns After Near-Miss with Councillor's Dog

A local councillor's dog narrowly avoided being hit by a Just Eat delivery robot during a recent Bristol trial. The autonomous machine reportedly failed to stop for the small pet, sparking urgent safety concerns from city officials. This near-miss has now triggered a formal investigation into the risks these robots pose to pedestrians and animals on public pavements.

Most city dwellers have likely spotted a meal-carrying bot rolling along the pavement to complete a delivery. These compact, four-wheeled machines are appearing more frequently in built-up areas, serving as a trendy substitute for couriers at universities and office hubs. Nevertheless, a British city remains hesitant about embracing this technology after the recent incident where a bot almost struck a councillor's pet.

Council Kept in the Dark Over Bristol Trials

Just Eat spent the last month testing out a fleet of delivery bots to drop off orders around Gloucester Road in Bristol. However, the local council claims they were kept in the dark about the scheme and haven't even drawn up any official rules for using them yet. Officials are now looking into how these trials are actually being run and whether the company ever got the green light to start.

During a recent council meeting, leading councillor Ed Plowden warned that the firm is introducing new dangers to the public. The transport chair, he highlighted that councillor Emma Edwards owns a small dog and suggested that tech experts still have some catching up to do when it comes to public safety.

'Emma's dog was nearly run over by one of these a couple of days ago,' said Plowden. 'It's a very small dog, so it may be that the tech bros need to do some more work. But there's a wider point here. We've got people like this company dumping risk onto the people of Bristol.'

Just Eat Defends Autonomous Safety Standards

While Just Eat is running the pilot alongside Delivers.AI, a representative for the firm claimed they haven't heard a peep from the council regarding any safety issues with their bots.

'We're proud to play an active role in communities across the UK, including Bristol, helping local restaurants to reach more customers and to grow. We work hard to operate in a safe and responsible way, collaborating closely with local authorities,' the firm said in a statement.

'...We're currently working with an expert partner on a small-scale ground robotics trial in Bristol. As in any town or city where these personal delivery devices are used, there has been extensive planning and risk assessment to ensure the technology can safely travel through the local environment. We'll continue to gather feedback from the community on the trial.'

Experts Warn of Obstacles and Job Market Shifts

Furthermore, the firm explained that these bots use onboard cameras to find their way and are built specifically for footpaths, moving at a slow pace while carrying orders.

Even so, mechanical systems expert Edwin Thompson isn't convinced and remains against letting the machines loose on city streets. Thompson noted that these machines might create obstacles for pedestrians with limited mobility. He also worried that the autonomous bots signal a shift in the workforce, adding that he simply prefers his meals to be handed over by a real person.

Calls for Stricter National Regulations

Plowden took a swipe at the delivery sector, claiming some firms are making money while leaving the public and their staff to deal with the fallout. He called for tougher national laws to make sure anyone running these bots is fully licensed and follows strict health and safety standards.

Responding to the backlash, a representative for the firm claimed they collaborate with local officials and have teamed up with the road safety charity Brake to encourage safer delivery habits.