Serve Robotics demonstrated its sidewalk delivery robot in Surrey, British Columbia, as the company explores pilot programs in three Canadian cities for automated food delivery services.
Robot Demonstration Shows Future Technology
The company conducted a public demonstration at Surrey City Hall, allowing city officials and residents to observe the delivery robot navigating sidewalks in rainy conditions. The robot, nicknamed Brian, successfully maneuvered along walkways while showcasing its weather-resistant capabilities. Surrey, Vancouver, and North Vancouver were selected as potential pilot locations based on high food delivery order volumes within a 1.5-mile radius, according to data from partner companies Uber Eats and DoorDash.
Tyler Westover, Surrey’s director of business and government relations, confirmed the city will evaluate next steps following the demonstration. The evaluation process includes community consultation, business engagement, and coordination with the British Columbia government to address regulatory implications. Serve Robotics has deployed thousands of delivery robots across American cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, but has not operated in Canada previously.
Regulatory Hurdles Remain
Municipal governments must pass bylaws authorizing robot operations before deployment can begin. The provincial government would then need to amend the Motor Vehicle Act to regulate these micro-utility devices, similar to current electric scooter pilot programs. Safety concerns include speed limitations, sidewalk interaction protocols with wheelchair users, and collision avoidance systems for unpredictable pedestrian movements.
What This Means
The demonstration represents Canada’s first step toward automated food delivery services that have gained popularity in American markets. City officials emphasized safety as the primary consideration, requiring comprehensive due diligence before approving any pilot programs. The technology could transform urban food delivery while raising questions about sidewalk accessibility, traffic management, and municipal liability. Success in these three British Columbia cities could establish precedents for nationwide robot delivery expansion across Canada’s urban centers.