Sidewalk Robots and ADA Accessibility Concerns

Delivery robots from Starship, Nuro, and other companies operate on public sidewalks and university walkways. Disability advocates raise serious concerns that these autonomous machines violate the Americans with Disabilities Act by blocking accessible paths.

ADA Sidewalk Requirements

Under ADA Title II and the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), sidewalks must maintain clear passage for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. Minimum widths, unobstructed pathways, and detectable warnings are required.

How Robots Create Barriers

• Blocking narrow sidewalks with insufficient passing room
• Stopping unpredictably in pedestrian pathways
• Forcing wheelchair users to navigate around obstacles
• Creating trip hazards for people with vision impairments
• Lack of audible warnings for blind pedestrians

Chicago Opposition Example

Chicago residents organized significant opposition to delivery robot programs, collecting 800+ petition signatures citing accessibility and safety concerns. Disability advocates were central to the opposition, highlighting ADA compliance failures.

U.S. Access Board Involvement

The U.S. Access Board—the federal agency responsible for accessibility standards—has received formal complaints about sidewalk robots. The Board is examining whether current regulations adequately address autonomous device hazards.

Legal Claims for ADA Violations

If delivery robots injure you while blocking accessible paths, you may have: personal injury claims for physical harm, ADA discrimination claims for accessibility barriers, and civil rights complaints with the Department of Justice.

Municipal Liability

Cities that permit delivery robots on public sidewalks may face liability if: permits didn't require ADA compliance, known accessibility complaints were ignored, or robot programs disproportionately impact disabled residents.