How many food delivery robots are in the city is unclear. Pennsylvania legalized them under Act 106 of 2020 and defined them as “pedestrians.” They are slowly becoming part of the streetscape even as distrust of automation grows. Toronto banned delivery robots from sidewalks in 2021.
For the first few minutes, most people walked past. One woman rolled her eyes. Children argued over whether a robot looked more like a dog or a cat, more interested in the machines’ faces than in the protest.
On a crisp fall morning, she waited near a stretch of sidewalk where the machines gather between orders. Robot 1617 left its holding area for a nearby restaurant to collect a delivery. She stepped in front of it.
Others stopped to cheer. A man in a suit told her, “someone’s got to do it.” Another said he appreciated the effort and that “the gig economy sucks for everyone.” Cadence, a 22-year-old recent graduate, recognized Marvin and her visor. “I feel like I met a celebrity,” she said, and backed the protest.