Robotic Device Deliver Cargo

The bill regulates the use of mobile carrying devices and personal delivery devices (robotic devices). A mobile carrying device is a self-propelled robot that transports cargo within a pedestrian area while remaining within 25 feet of a human operator. A personal delivery device is a self-propelled robot that transports cargo within a pedestrian area or on a highway with the remote support and supervision of a human. These robotic devices are not vehicles for the purposes of the traffic code.

The bill establishes the following regulations:

• A robotic device may be used to deliver cargo within a pedestrian area or, if the robotic device is a personal delivery device, on a highway;
• A business is deemed the operator of a robotic device for compliance with traffic laws when the device is used to deliver cargo within a pedestrian area, but if an agent of the business is acting outside the scope of the agent's office or employment, the agent is the operator;
• A person is not an operator of a robotic device merely because the person requests delivery or because the person dispatched the device;
• To use a robotic device to deliver cargo within a pedestrian area, a person must ensure that the device:
• Complies with pedestrian traffic laws and local regulations;
• Yields to or does not obstruct the right-of-way of other traffic;
• Is not used to transport hazardous materials; and
• Is monitored and controlled;
• To use a personal delivery device within a pedestrian area or on a highway or to use a mobile carrying device within a pedestrian area, the device must be equipped with an adequate braking system;
• To use a personal delivery device to deliver cargo within a pedestrian area or on a highway, the device must be equipped with:
• The name and contact information of the owner and a unique identification number; and
• Adequate lights if used at night;
• The speed of a robotic device is limited to no more than 12 miles per hour within a pedestrian area and no more than 20 miles per hour on a highway; and
• To use a robotic device to deliver cargo within a pedestrian area or on a highway, a person must maintain an insurance policy of at least one hundred thousand dollars for damages caused by the device.

A local authority may regulate these robotic devices, but the regulation may not conflict with the bill, limit the hours of operation or zones of operation, or substantially prohibit the use of robotic devices.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)