Stricter Regulations for Autonomous Delivery Robots in Miami Beach

In a move aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, Miami Beach has introduced new regulations governing the operation of autonomous delivery robots. These changes come after an increase in concerns regarding the safety of pedestrians on the city’s narrow sidewalks.

City commissioners approved the updated rules this week, highlighting the need for greater accountability from the operators of delivery robots. Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt emphasized the precariousness of the city’s sidewalks, which were designed over a century ago, and the challenges posed by the influx of new mobility devices such as bicycles, strollers, and now, delivery robots.

Background of the Measure

The initiative was initially proposed by former Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez, and after her departure, Bhatt adopted and expanded the proposal with additional safeguards. This response aligns Miami Beach with various other locales, such as Washington D.C. and parts of California, that have imposed restrictions on autonomous delivery technology due to similar safety concerns.

New Safety Requirements

The new ordinance mandates several key safety features for personal delivery devices:

• All robots must display a vertical safety flag or pennant.
• They are required to emit periodic audible sounds while in motion.
• Forward and rear-facing lights or reflectors are necessary for visibility.
• Commercial advertisements on the devices are prohibited, except for the owner’s name.

Operational Guidelines

Under the regulations, operators must submit relevant documentation to the city before deploying their robots, including a 24-hour contact number for emergencies and proof of general liability insurance amounting to at least $100,000 per occurrence. Additionally, operators are required to sign a hold-harmless agreement in favor of the city.

Speed Limits and Restrictions

The regulations outline specific operational limits for the delivery robots:

• They must adhere to state rules governing personal delivery devices.
• Robots are prohibited from blocking pedestrian pathways or obstructing access to essential infrastructure such as ADA ramps, fire hydrants, and transit stops.
• Delivery devices must yield the right of way to pedestrians and are restricted to a maximum speed of 8 mph on sidewalks and crosswalks.
• They are not allowed to remain stationary on public sidewalks for more than 30 consecutive minutes unless actively making a delivery.
• Operating on the city’s Beachwalk and Baywalk is completely banned.

Permitting Process and Compliance Measures

Operators must register with the city and obtain an annual operating permit at a cost of $100 per device. Noncompliance could result in permit denial, suspension, or revocation. After a six-month grace period, violators may face fines, impoundment of their devices, or suspension of their permits.

Furthermore, the city plans to conduct a sidewalk survey to assess potential safety hazards posed by the delivery robots.

Focus on Pedestrian Safety

In light of these changes, Commissioner Bhatt reiterated the city’s commitment to prioritizing pedestrian safety over corporate interests. “We’re going to try and make this as safe as we can for our pedestrians, who should take precedence over corporate profit,” she stated.