Pilot program to test robotic deliveries in Pittsburgh neighborhood

PITTSBURH — Technology is the future, and it’s happening in the Bloomfield section of Pittsburgh.

A new pilot program will have robots literally cruising down sidewalks making deliveries.

The city’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is working on a six-month pilot program that would test out delivery devices in Bloomfield.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WPXI apps for alerts as news breaks]

Pittsburgh’s partnering with KIWIBOT, a Los Angeles-based company that creates robots that can make deliveries at a rapid rate and charge you less than $2.

The KIWIBOTS would operate specifically in Bloomfield.

Officials said that area was chosen because of its wide sidewalks and diverse population.

The city hopes to study the success rate, analyze if the robots are safe and look into how folks can adapt to them.

We got mixed reaction from Pittsburgh residents.

“I don’t like it at all. At least you can talk to somebody that gives you something. I can’t talk to no robot,” said Trisanne DelGrosso of Bloomfield.

“I would definitely use it. If it’s not too bad. My only concern is it going to affect the local traffic and the sidewalk here is pretty wide,” said Yuwen Lu of Shadyside.

The city stated the program will start in June and continue into fall.

Pa. leaders discuss plan to legalize marijuana for recreational use

Cox Media Group