Autonomous delivery robots are rolling onto sidewalks in Ontario, promising faster, eco-friendly deliveries. But not everyone is cheering. While companies like Real Life Robotics and Magna are testing these bots in cities like Markham and Toronto, concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for seniors and people with disabilities, are sparking debates.
Should Ontario embrace this tech, or are these robots a hazard waiting to happen? Let’s break it down.
Why Are Delivery Robots Appearing in Ontario?
E-commerce is booming, with Canadians spending $94.3 billion online in 2024, expected to hit $150.3 billion by 2029. To stay competitive, companies are turning to robots for last-mile delivery, thereby cutting costs and reducing carbon emissions.
Who’s Behind the Robots?
- Real Life Robotics (Waterloo-based) is testing supervised robots in Markham, partnering with Skip for food deliveries.
- Magna (auto parts giant) is running a province-approved pilot in Toronto, using small electric vehicles for package delivery.
- Tiny Mile, a Toronto startup, previously deployed robots but faced a city-wide ban in 2021 over safety concerns.
These robots are designed to:
✔ Carry up to 50 kg of goods.
✔ Operate in all weather conditions.
✔ Reduce delivery costs and traffic congestion.
But are they safe for sidewalks?
Safety Concerns: Who’s at Risk?
While robots sound futuristic, studies and real-world incidents highlight serious risks:
1. Pedestrian Collisions & Near-Misses
- A 5-day study at Northern Arizona University recorded 40 instances of near-miss accidents between robots and pedestrians, along with 60 moderate-risk interactions.
- In Pittsburgh, a wheelchair user was blocked by a robot at a crosswalk, leaving her stranded in traffic.
2. Risks for Vulnerable Groups
- Visually impaired individuals may trip over low-profile robots or struggle with guide dogs reacting to them.
- Seniors and people with mobility issues face obstacles if robots block narrow sidewalks.
- Children are at higher risk of injury from collisions, especially with heavier robots moving at 11 km/h or faster.
3. Speed & Size Problems
Most robots today weigh up to 45 kg and move at 7 km/h, but Idaho and Florida already allow speeds up to 16 km/h. Faster, heavier bots increase injury risks.
How Are Cities Responding?
Toronto’s Ban & Pilot Programs
In 2021, Toronto banned sidewalk robots after accessibility advocates raised alarms. However, the city is now allowing Magna’s pilot under strict rules:
- Robots must stay on roads (not sidewalks).
- A human supervisor follows in a chase car for emergencies.
- No left turns, max speed of 32 km/h (on 40 km/h roads).
Markham’s Supervised Testing
Real Life Robotics is running a 3-month trial with human monitors walking alongside robots to ensure safety.
Provincial Rules vs. Local Backlash
Ontario’s Automated Vehicle Pilot Program lets cities opt in, but disability advocates argue this shifts the burden to municipalities to fight for safety.
What’s Next for Sidewalk Robots in Ontario?
Possible Solutions
- Dedicated Robot Lanes – Separating bots from pedestrians.
- Strict Speed & Weight Limits – Preventing high-risk collisions.
- Better AI Training – Teaching robots to yield to vulnerable pedestrians.
The Big Question: Should They Be Allowed?
- Proponents say robots cut delivery costs, reduce emissions, and modernize cities.
- Opponents argue sidewalks should stay pedestrian-first, citing safety and accessibility concerns.
Final Verdict: Proceed with Caution
Ontario’s robot experiments could revolutionize deliveries, if done safely. For now, strict regulations and real-world testing are crucial to avoid turning sidewalks into obstacle courses.
