Delivery Robots Now Allowed in Arizona Streets

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. crosswalk / ˈkrɑːs.wɑːk / (n) – a painted part of the road where people can walk across
    Example:

    Always use the crosswalks when crossing the street to avoid accidents.


  2. motorized / ˈmoʊ.t̬ə.raɪzd / (adj) – referring to something that has a motor or an engine
    Example:

    The delivery man uses a motorized scooter to deliver food.


  3. pose / poʊz / (v) – to cause or create something
    Example:

    The use of robots poses a threat to people’s jobs.


  4. run into (something) / rʌn ˈɪn.tuː / (phrasal) – to physically bump into something
    Example:

    She was not looking at where she was walking, so she ran into a telephone pole.


  5. vice versa / vɑɪs ˈvɜr·sə / (adv) – used to say that something that has been stated is also true when reversed
    Example:

    Robots need humans to be productive, and vice versa.


Article

Read the text below.

A new law in Arizona, United States, has allowed self-driving robots to use sidewalks and crosswalks to deliver goods.


Starship Technologies invented the robots, which use sensors to navigate sidewalks and cross streets. These robots can deliver mail, food, groceries, and other small items straight to people’s homes within 15 to 30 minutes.


Previously, motorized vehicles like delivery robots were prohibited from roaming Arizona’s sidewalks. But under the new law, the robots will have the same rights and responsibilities that people have in terms of using sidewalks. However, delivery robots need to have insurance and are required to follow a speed and weight limit. Additionally, they need to obey traffic rules and properly use crosswalks.


Despite the safety regulations, many Arizona residents are still worried about the potential dangers that the robots may pose. One resident fears that the robots can run into people, and vice versa. Another resident is concerned that people may lose their jobs to the self-driving robots.


However, Starship Technologies spokesperson Henry Harris-Burland said that the robots will not be fully autonomous. He further explained that there will be employees assigned to operate the robots to ensure safety.


More companies are now exploring the potential of autonomous delivery devices. One of which is Ele.me, an online delivery company in China. It has recently been allowed to use drones to deliver food. Unlike the delivery robots, the drones can pick up and drop off orders in fixed areas.


According to Ele.me, using the drones will help cut down the company’s operating costs and will make deliveries much faster.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think it is safe to use delivery robots? Why or why not?
• What do you think can be done to make sure that delivery robots are safe to use?

Discussion B

• Do you think more resources should be allocated to the development of more robots? Why or why not?
• In your opinion, will there come a time when humans can no longer survive without robots? Discuss.