Philadelphia professor challenges delivery robots over public space and safety

Semi-retired University of Pennsylvania professor Carolyn Marvin has become a local celebrity by standing in the way of UberEats delivery robots in central Philadelphia. She says the machines take up public space, may endanger people with mobility issues and could displace workers; her protests have also prompted debate about customers waiting for their orders.

Police issued Marvin a disorderly conduct ticket after she refused to move from in front of a robot, and she is awaiting a court hearing that she intends to contest. The 78-year-old says she is exercising her right to protest, while the article notes that the number of delivery robots operating in Philadelphia is unclear.