A group of students in Leeds disrupted the operation of an Uber Eats delivery robot on December 9, 2023, causing damage and raising concerns about safety in the area. The incident took place near a popular Wetherspoons pub on Headingley Lane, where the robot was reportedly surrounded by several individuals dressed in costumes.
Videos circulated online show the robot being tipped over and left on its side as it emitted a loud alarm. The students, who appeared to be partaking in a night out, seemed to mock the robot before two individuals lifted it up, only for it to fall heavily onto the pavement and ultimately end up in a nearby hedge. This incident occurred just two days after the robots began their deliveries in the area.
Headingley is known for the notorious Otley Run, a pub crawl often undertaken in fancy dress, making it a magnet for students and party-goers. The presence of delivery robots in such an environment raises questions about their vulnerability to vandalism and accidents. Starship Technologies, which operates the delivery robots for Uber Eats, had launched a fleet of 15 robots in Leeds, marking the city as the first in Europe to utilize this delivery method.
According to Lisa Johnson, vice president of Starship Technologies, incidents involving vandalism of these robots are rare. “People like the robots; they’re cute,” she stated. “You get the odd incident here or there where somebody messes with the robot, especially near university campuses. But it’s so much less than you think.”
Despite this incident, Johnson expressed confidence in the community’s overall treatment of the robots, comparing their care to that of pets or toddlers. Following the attack, she noted that the robot would require a couple of days for repairs but assured that it was on its way back to base to recharge and that no deliveries were missed.
The footage of the incident is set to be shared with both the police and local universities for further review. An official statement from Uber Eats confirmed their awareness of the situation and expressed relief that the robot is expected to recover. “We’re glad to hear this delivery robot is recovering and will soon be back out bringing meals, gifts, and festive cheer to the people of Leeds,” the spokesperson said.
This incident raises concerns about the challenges of integrating technology into social environments, particularly those frequented by young adults. The combination of festive spirit and revelry can sometimes lead to reckless behavior, and this event serves as a reminder of the need for responsible interactions with technology.
As the holiday season approaches, Starship Technologies remains optimistic about the future of its delivery robots in Leeds. The company has established a strong presence in the city, having completed thousands of deliveries over the years. Johnson emphasized that the company would not let a few misguided actions spoil the positive experiences for the wider community.
With increasing numbers of food delivery robots in urban areas, the balance between innovation and public behavior will be vital for their continued success. The incident in Leeds serves as both a cautionary tale and a point of discussion regarding the role of technology in everyday life.
