So you don’t think governments and robots go hand in hand? But they do. One state, or should I say commonwealth, proves it. Hence, you have Virginia robots: Knocking on your door.
Virginia is the first state allowing delivery robots to walk the streets. Furthermore, they’ll walk among humans, on their own power. Governor Terry McAuliffe signed the bill into law. But the law takes effect July 1, 2017. We can credit State Congressmen Ron Villanueva and State Senator Bill DeStaph, both from Virginia Beach, for pushing this law. We can also thank robotic company Starship Technologies for promoting this law.
However, Virginia robots must follow the law. Their speed limit is 10 miles per hour. They can carry up to 50 pounds. But these robots do have freedoms. Robots can only cross at crosswalks. That law applies to humans too. And you know how we are. When it comes between humans and robots, the robots have the right-a-way. Cities and towns can regulate these Virginia robots any way they please. Starship isn’t the only one pushing for these walking bots. Food delivery service app Grubhub, and online retail giant Amazon, sent letters saying this is a good idea. You know it’s not going to stop in Virginia.
Starship Technologies tests robots in Washington, DC and Northern California. Furthermore, Idaho and Florida debate walking robots being allowed to deliver goods. Also, other companies want to. So this could be the newest tech trend. It doesn’t surprise me. Yes, our IT support?industry is changing. But is if for the better? Yes, it could boost the delivery industry. And it could get your food there faster. However, there are worries. Any computer repair expert can tell you technology can go horribly wrong. So can these robots. And what about the social and economic ramifications? Already, they replace fast food workers with robots. Will these robots do the same to food delivery workers? If a robot knocks on your door, would you answer?