Bridging the Normative Gap: Standardization for Sidewalk Robots in a World of Self-Driving Cars, Personal Robots and Automated Industrial Vehicles

Anonymous

Keywords: autonomous mobile robots, sidewalk operation, safety, standards, last-mile delivery

TL;DR: This ongoing research aims to establish safety-focused standards for mobile robots on sidewalks by exploring related fields and examining existing standards, ultimately supporting their broader adoption and contributing to safer urban environments.

Abstract: Sidewalks are increasingly being shared by autonomous mobile robots, creating a safety-sensitive environment that lacks explicit safety-focused standards. Establishing such standards is an essential prerequisite for progressing these vehicles from the laboratory to lager-scale, widespread use. This ongoing research presented here aims to fill this gap by exploring standards in related areas, assessing their applicability, and examining possible derived specifications adapted to mobile robots operating on sidewalks and similar traffic environments. As part of our methodology, we draw upon findings from the development of two delivery robot prototype vehicles and a literature review. By establishing a foundation for the design and assessment of future standard drafts, our research supports the broader adoption of mobile robots and contributes to safer urban sidewalks.