Legal Battle Looms Over Arizona Food Delivery Robot Incident
In a potential landmark case, an Arizona jury may soon determine accountability when a food delivery robot inflicts injury or damage. Under state law, these delivery robots, classified as “personal delivery devices,” enjoy the same legal standing and obligations as pedestrians. Operators of these devices are mandated to hold a liability insurance policy of up to $100,000.
The legal proceedings in Maricopa County Superior Court center around an incident involving an Arizona State University (ASU) employee injured by a delivery robot earlier this year.
The ASU police report details the events where a 73-year-old woman, serving as a parking attendant, was knocked down by a Starship food delivery robot on the Tempe campus. The report indicates that while she was trying to address a parked vehicle, she saw the robot approaching on the sidewalk.
She reportedly waited for the robot to pass before crossing behind it. Unexpectedly, the robot reversed direction, colliding with her and causing her to fall. As she lay on the ground, the robot reversed again, striking her a second time. Emergency services from the Tempe Fire Department attended to her injuries, which included a 4-inch cut on her elbow, back pain, and mobility issues.
According to the ASU police report, Starship Technologies provided video footage from the robot and sought the woman’s contact details to share insurance information and offer “promo codes.”
The woman has filed a lawsuit against Starship Technologies, alleging negligence and failure to ensure the robot’s safe operation. The suit claims the robot was defective during its testing phase, and an unnamed Starship employee failed to properly control it, leading to the incident.
She is pursuing compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages as per court records.
Starship Technologies, in its defense, contends that the woman’s injuries were due to her own negligence, pre-existing conditions, and a third party’s actions. They emphasized that the plaintiff must prove any breach of duty, as outlined in the court documents.
The trial is slated for a jury hearing in February, with Starship Technologies opting not to comment on the ongoing litigation. Similarly, Vrana Law Firm, representing the plaintiff, did not respond to requests for remarks from KJZZ.
—
Read More Arizona News
