(WKYT) Kentucky lawmakers are weighing whether delivery robots should be allowed to operate in the commonwealth, following testimony from a DoorDash representative before a legislative committee Tuesday.
The company said there were 150,000 active Dashers in Kentucky last year, generating $700 million across the state.
DoorDash told the committee it has been investing in technology — including delivery robots and drones — and wants to bring those systems to Kentucky.
At least one lawmaker raised concerns about the robots sharing roads with drivers.
Commitee member Ann Gay Donworth (D) said they had nearly struck a delivery robot while making a right turn on red near the University of Kentucky, despite the robot being marked with a flag.
“I live in Lexington, we have similar robotic deliveries through UK’s dining facilities,” Donworth said. “I’ve also almost hit one of them as it’s crossing the streets when I was going right on red — even though it has the flag, it’s very visible — so I have some concerns about this.”
She also suggested DoorDash should pay its drivers more to keep up with demand.
DoorDash responded that humans monitor the robots and can take control if a situation arises.