Robots on the cycle path: How autonomous driving can affect cyclists

Autonomous driving is one of the megatrends of future technological development. Delivery robots already exist - and they are also making their way onto cycle paths. In the USA, the delivery service DoorDash has presented "Dot". The four-wheeled red techno knob reaches speeds of up to 32 km/h and whizzes along cycle paths, roads and pavements. It is designed to make deliveries to local shops. Vayu One is another company in the USA that has announced its intention to use cycle paths for delivery services with autonomous vehicles.

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Test run in Hamburg

However, many cyclists find the idea of having to share the cycle path with robots in the future frightening. However, it is not yet clear whether robots could become "opponents" or fellow sufferers of cyclists. Initial videos on the internet show that Dot has similar problems to a cyclist: One of the delivery robots is overlooked and hit by a car driver. In Hamburg, delivery robots were already tested by Hermes in 2016 as part of a pilot project - but only on the pavement and at a much lower speed. Several other projects have also failed to succeed so far.