Henry Greenidge of DoorDash Labs demonstrates the company's autonomous delivery robot Dot in downtown Riverside. The Mobility and Infrastructure Committee unanimously supported a regulatory framework Thursday for the devices. (File photo)
The Mobility and Infrastructure Committee unanimously directed city staff Thursday, Jan. 15, to develop a regulatory framework for personal delivery devices on city streets, sidewalks and pedestrian areas as part of the City's broader smart-city vision and green economy.
The framework will then advance to the full City Council for consideration.
"Our City continues to embrace innovation that enhances quality of life and supports both residents and local businesses," said Councilmember Steve Hemenway, vice chairman of the committee, in a city news release. "Today's vote brings us closer to establishing a clear, safety-first path for personal delivery devices in our community. We're committed to setting a modern regulatory framework that encourages responsible technology use and aligns with Riverside's values of public safety and economic vitality."
Personal delivery devices are automated devices designed to transport goods within local communities. The framework will establish a permitting structure for PDDs with requirements for safety and sustainability.
The framework aims to integrate delivery technologies into city infrastructure while maintaining safety standards. City staff said the devices could potentially identify sidewalk cracks and potholes during operations.
"We applaud the City Council's leadership in supporting a pragmatic approach to the future of delivery technology," Henry Greenidge, who leads public policy at DoorDash Labs, told the committee. "Working together with the City of Riverside, we can help develop guidelines that allow for innovation while keeping community needs at the forefront. Personal delivery devices like Dot represent one of many tools that can help better connect local businesses with customers, reduce emissions, and help Riverside grow in a way that is safe, sustainable, and centered on community needs."
DoorDash's Dot uses cameras, LiDAR sensors and radar to navigate sidewalks and bike lanes, carrying meals and other goods from restaurants and merchants to customers. The framework under consideration includes speed limits of 5 mph on sidewalks and 20 mph in bike lanes. The robots weigh about 350 pounds and would operate within a 13-mile radius around downtown.
Committee members raised practical questions about the technology's integration into Riverside's infrastructure. Greenidge told the committee DoorDash's robots have completed hundreds of thousands of deliveries with zero safety-critical incidents. The devices are monitored remotely by trained operators who can respond to issues within minutes.
Councilmember Jim Perry emphasized any pilot program should eventually expand citywide, suggesting areas near UCR, California Baptist University and La Sierra University as potential locations beyond the initial Downtown focus. Committee members also raised questions about how the robots would navigate gated communities, trigger traffic signals and handle apartment deliveries.
The company indicated it works with cities to identify suitable hub locations and may establish multiple charging stations or "nests" throughout a service area. The robots have a battery life of six to eight hours and can operate from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Nicholas Adcock, president and CEO of the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce, told the committee the technology represents an opportunity for local restaurants and small businesses to expand delivery options. The chamber coordinated the October demonstration that brought Dot to downtown Riverside.
DoorDash currently operates similar programs in Concord and San Ramon in California, and Tempe and Mesa in Arizona. Nearly 700 Riverside merchants currently use the DoorDash platform.
Riverside would be the first Inland Empire city to establish regulations for PDDs.
City Council does not meet this week. The Economic Development Committee will consider billboard rule changes allowing digital displays in exchange for revenue sharing, and the Safety Committee is reviewing a shopping cart tracking pilot program.
