Uber Eats delivery robots are experiencing a wave of interference from residents in Philadelphia, reminiscent of the challenges faced by the hitchBOT robot years ago. This marks the second reported incident of “hazing” involving the AI-powered delivery bots in Center City within the past two weeks.

Robot Interference in Philadelphia

On Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Uber Eats robots were observed operating along the 1500 block of Sansom Street. One robot was present when a second arrived, but the latter was reportedly toppled over by a forceful kick from a pedestrian over the weekend. According to Glazewski, the robot was still operating past its designated 10 p.m. curfew.

Previous Incidents and Police Response

This is not the first instance of residents interacting with the robots in a disruptive manner. In March, a pedestrian interfered with a robot’s operation, drawing viral attention. The Philadelphia Police Department confirmed that while they are not actively investigating the latest incidents, individuals could face criminal mischief charges or code violations depending on the extent of the damage.

The Rollout of Autonomous Delivery

Uber Eats introduced autonomous deliveries to Philadelphia in March, making it the 12th city to utilize this technology, joining locations like Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago. Approximately two dozen restaurants are currently participating in the program, with the robots operating daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Uber has not disclosed the names of the participating restaurants.

Robot Specifications and Regulations

The delivery robots, manufactured by Avride, cost around $10,000 each and can travel at speeds of up to 5 mph, carry up to 55 pounds, and operate for 12 hours on a single charge. There are no additional fees for robot deliveries, and they are not equipped to accept tips. These robots are legally permitted to operate in Pennsylvania under a 2020 statute that classifies them as “personal delivery devices,” granting them similar rights to human pedestrians. The City of Philadelphia currently has no specific regulations governing delivery bots.

Past Precedents and Concerns

The incidents in Philadelphia echo past experiences with autonomous technology. The hitchBOT robot, which attempted to travel across Canada and the United States, was vandalized in Philadelphia, bringing its journey to an end. Similar issues have occurred in other cities, such as Chicago, where an Uber Eats robot damaged a glass bus stop shelter. Avride, the manufacturer of the Uber Eats delivery bots, could not be reached for comment.