Modern technology has made our lives more convenient but also more exposed. From smart homes to smart cars, we are constantly being watched by cameras and sensors.
One of the latest innovations in this trend is the use of autonomous delivery robots by Uber Eats, which started in June 2022 in parts of Los Angeles. The ride-hailing giant partnered with Serve Robotics, a startup that makes self-driving robots, to deliver food to customers in Los Angeles.
However, the increasing presence of these delivery robots from Serve and another company, Coco, has become a contentious subject in the city. They are a frequent topic of discussion on community social media platforms like Nextdoor and Reddit. In fact, a TikTok and YouTube account called FilmTheRobotsLA has gained a significant following by documenting these robots navigating sidewalks, sometimes obstructing pedestrians and pets, and even getting stuck in the middle of sidewalks and roads.
These accounts have collectively garnered hundreds of thousands of followers and tens of millions of views, showcasing the extent of public interest and concern surrounding these robots.
This heightened visibility of delivery robots in everyday life adds a layer of complexity to the privacy concerns surrounding them. Residents and activists worry that these robots, which are equipped with cameras, could be used for surveillance purposes by various parties, including law enforcement.
This concern was heightened when 404 Media revealed that Serve Robotics, the startup that provides the robots to Uber Eats, had shared video footage from one of its robots with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in a criminal case.
According to the report, the case involved an attempt by two people to steal a robot from the street. The suspects were later identified and convicted with the help of the video evidence. Serve Robotics said that they complied with a subpoena from the LAPD and they only share video footage when there are safety or security issues.
Re-uploading the video; turns out you can't cross post from Tiktok! pic.twitter.com/EeA9gF4mmG
— Ali Kashani (@ahkashani) September 28, 2023
The robots, which look like coolers on wheels, use cameras to navigate the streets and sidewalks of LA. They can carry up to 50 pounds of food and travel up to 12 miles per hour. Customers can order their food through the Uber Eats app and track the robot’s location and arrival time. They can also watch the robot drop off their food at their doorstep.
The case, described by the LAPD as a grand theft, involved an attempted theft of one of the robots. According to Detective Chica Estrella, who worked on the case, the video evidence played a crucial role in identifying the perpetrators.
Serve Robotics defended its actions, stating that they only share video footage when there are safety or security issues and comply with subpoena requests. They emphasized that their privacy policy includes routine deletion of the robot's camera feed unless there are compelling safety or security concerns.
However, the privacy policy of Serve Robotics primarily focuses on customer-related data and does not extensively address the broader implications of constant video surveillance in Los Angeles neighborhoods. This situation raises questions about how long Serve keeps video footage and what specific surveillance policies they adhere to when faced with requests such as police subpoenas.
Chris Gilliard, a surveillance justice expert, expressed concerns that without clear policies in place, companies like Serve Robotics might continue to share footage with law enforcement, potentially escalating surveillance concerns in areas where these robots operate.
In essence, the integration of delivery robots into the urban landscape not only promises convenience but also introduces complex issues related to privacy and surveillance.
Originally published on Interesting Engineering : Original article