A pilot project is bringing self-driving robots to Toronto — sparking concerns from one city councillor

Self-driving delivery robots are set to hit the streets of Toronto, much to the concern of local residents and city officials. The pilot project, spearheaded by Magna International Inc., has been approved by the provincial Ministry of Transportation without the city’s consent. This decision has raised eyebrows, particularly for Coun. Dianne Saxe, who represents University-Rosedale, one of the neighborhoods where the self-driving vehicles will be deployed.

The project will see up to 20 self-driving vehicles navigating the streets of Parkdale-High Park, York South-Weston, Davenport, University-Rosedale, and Toronto-St. Paul’s. These vehicles, equipped with locked compartments for packages, have successfully completed deliveries in Detroit without any safety incidents. However, Saxe is skeptical about their integration into Toronto’s dense neighborhoods, citing concerns for pedestrian safety at intersections.

The pilot project will implement several safety precautions, including a speed limit of 32 kilometers per hour and a restriction on left turns to reduce the risk of collisions. Each vehicle will be accompanied by a trailing car with two individuals who can intervene in emergencies, as well as a remote operator who can take control of the robot if necessary.

While Saxe remains critical of the project, some experts in autonomous vehicle technology are optimistic about its potential benefits. Steven Waslander, director of the Toronto Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Toronto, sees the project as a step towards more efficient last-mile deliveries. Bilal Farooq, Canada research chair in disruptive transportation technologies and services at Toronto Metropolitan University, believes that autonomous vehicle technology is inevitable and views the pilot project as an opportunity to test and learn from new innovations.

Despite differing opinions on the project, it is clear that self-driving delivery robots are on the horizon for Toronto. As the pilot project gears up for launch, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and overall efficiency in last-mile deliveries. The city’s infrastructure and environment committee will continue to discuss the project, ensuring that all concerns and considerations are taken into account before full implementation.