Delivery robots have become a growing part of the delivery industry around the world. The idea began in Estonia in 2014, when Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis started a company called Starship Technologies. Since then, the company has expanded to more than 80 cities in North America, Europe, and Asia. Other companies, such as Serve Robotics, Coco Robotics, Delivers.AI, and DoorDash, have also entered the market, aiming to use these machines for delivering food, packages, and other goods. These robots rely on a mix of cameras, sensors, and GPS to move around, but they often have trouble navigating sidewalks and roads. They sometimes fail to understand traffic rules, which can cause them to stop unexpectedly or even damage public property. For example, in Chicago, a delivery robot once damaged a bus stop. People react to these robots in different ways—some enjoy their friendly, human-like faces, while others find them annoying or disruptive. Another concern is how these robots affect pedestrians. They can cause minor issues, like blocking outdoor seating or interfering with businesses on sidewalks. More serious problems include robots not stopping for pedestrians, which can be a problem for people with mobility challenges, such as those using wheelchairs. This can lead to violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures accessibility for all. In some cases, these robots have even caused physical harm—like when a man in New Jersey suffered injuries after a robot collided with his bicycle. Despite these challenges, the use of delivery robots is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. A recent study predicts that by 2035, there could be over 559,000 automated delivery vehicles worldwide, compared to about 28,000 in 2025. This expansion could affect gig workers, as companies like Uber Eats and DoorDash may rely more on robots to cut costs and increase profits. However, current technology limits their range to about two miles, meaning they are mostly used in urban areas and can’t replace human delivery entirely. Many places still lack clear rules about how delivery robots should be used. In over 20 U.S. states, these robots are treated like pedestrians. However, some major cities, such as Chicago, San Francisco, and Toronto, have banned or restricted their use. These robots are also facing more scrutiny from regulators due to privacy concerns, which could lead to new laws in the future. As the technology evolves, so too will the need for guidelines to manage their impact on public spaces and safety.