A delivery robot operated by Uber Eats was overturned by a group of students in Leeds over the weekend, just two days after its debut in the area. The incident occurred on Headingley Lane near a Wetherspoons pub, popular among local students, on the evening of December 2, 2023.
Footage shared online shows the robot surrounded by at least seven individuals, some of whom were dressed in costumes for a night out. They tipped the robot onto its side, prompting it to emit a loud alarm. The robot was later lifted by two individuals, including one dressed as a cow, but it fell heavily onto the pavement before being left in a nearby hedge.
While the robot was damaged during the incident, it was reportedly en route back to its base after completing a delivery, minimizing the impact on customers. Lisa Johnson, vice president of Starship Technologies, stated that footage of the attack will be provided to both local authorities and universities for investigation.
Robot Delivery Service Faces Challenges in Student Areas
This incident raises questions about the viability of robot delivery services in areas with a high concentration of nightlife and student activity. The robots, which began operating in the Headingley, Burley, and Hyde Park areas of Leeds, are the first of their kind to deliver food in a European city, with a fleet of 15 units launched last week.
According to Johnson, incidents of vandalism against the delivery robots have been rare. She emphasized the general public’s affection for the robots, stating, “People like the robots, they’re cute. You get the odd incident here or there where somebody messes with the robot, especially near university campuses.”
Despite the setback, Johnson remains optimistic about the robots’ future in Leeds, noting that they have successfully completed thousands of deliveries in the city and other UK locations, including Milton Keynes.
Response and Recovery Plans
In her comments, Johnson described the robot as “a little shaken” but assured that it would undergo repairs before returning to service. “Sadly, some over-exuberant revellers decided to cause some robot mischief on Saturday night,” she remarked. “We’re giving it a couple of days’ recovery time to get fixed up, but it’ll be back out making festive deliveries soon.”
An Uber Eats spokesperson expressed relief that the delivery robot is recovering and confirmed that it would soon resume its role in bringing meals to the community. The company continues to explore ways to ensure safe operations in areas frequented by students, particularly during busy social events.
The incident was widely shared on social media, with many bystanders capturing the moment on their phones. As investigations continue, local authorities, including West Yorkshire Police, are expected to review the footage and assess the implications for public safety and technology integration in urban environments.
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