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Several other states have recently adopted regulations for autonomous delivery <br />vehicles and devices, including Florida, Wisconsin, Idaho, Virginia, and Ohio. <br /> <br />The current pilot program expired in August, 2016. Starship is seeking an extension of <br />their pilot program in Redwood City due to the success of the deliveries and their hope <br />to maintain Redwood City as their Bay Area headquarters. Starship continued to <br />operate while the pilot program extension was scheduled to be brought back to the City <br />Council for review. Starship is currently exploring opportunities to begin deliveries of <br />library materials in partnership with the City of Redwood City Library, if the pilot program <br />is extended. <br /> <br />ANALYSIS <br />Robot deliveries through the PDD Pilot Program in Redwood City have been occurring <br />since February 2017. During that time, the City has received two complaints about the <br />delivery robots. A second robot operator has also expressed interest in operating in <br />Redwood City. Staff recommends extending the pilot period in order to continue <br />providing a product delivery option for local businesses that does not add to road <br />congestion. Staff also recommends allowing a maximum of two operators during the <br />pilot period, and adding program conditions to address concerns that have arisen to <br />date. <br /> <br />Some additional conditions are: <br /> <br />· Add business and contact information to the robot: , <br />o Include a plate or marker that may be easily read by pedestrians near the <br />PDD and that identifies the Permittee’s website address and contact <br />information. Lettering shall have a font size that is a minimum of 1” tall. <br /> <br />· Establish more defined operating restrictions in regards to allowed locations and <br />interference with pedestrians or traffic <br />o Not unreasonably interfere with pedestrians or traffic, and yield to <br />pedestrians, including, without limitation, pedestrians using personal <br />assistive mobility devices, persons using skates or skate boards on the <br />sidewalk, and cyclists using any sidewalk, crosswalk or public <br />thoroughfare. <br /> <br />o Not operate on a State or County highway or private roadway where the <br />City does not hold an easement right allowing public access, including the <br />sidewalk, crosswalk, or public thoroughfare associated with said State of <br />County highway or private roadway unless express authorization by the <br />owning jurisdiction/entity is received and provided to the City. <br /> <br />· Require the operator to report specific incidents or complaints regarding the <br />robots, <br />6.3.B. - Page 2