Robot delivery cart blocks fire truck in Hollywood intersection, video shows
Image: Dreamstime
by: Lily Dallow
A TikTok video that went viral this week captured an unusual scene in Hollywood: an autonomous food delivery robot momentarily obstructing a fire truck responding to an emergency.
The footage, shared widely across social media by local stylist Kassey Rich, shows a small delivery robot from Serve Robotics carrying an Uber Eats order. As it reaches the crosswalk at Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place, the robot hesitates and stops — directly in the path of an approaching Los Angeles Fire Department truck, which had its lights and sirens activated.
Despite the clear right of way given to emergency vehicles, the robot remained in the intersection for a short time before eventually moving out of the way.
Serve Robotics later confirmed to KTLA that one of its units was involved in the incident.
“Serve robots are designed to operate with Level 4 autonomy, with trained remote supervisors available to assist in safety-critical situations,” the company said in a statement. “In this case, our standard procedures for intersection crossing were not followed. We’re proactively engaging with the Los Angeles Fire Department, with whom we maintain an active and ongoing dialogue.”
The fire truck was ultimately able to continue its route. It’s unclear whether the brief delay had any impact on the emergency response.
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