Pasadena Considers Pilot Program for Sidewalk Delivery Robots

Pasadena’s Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday will discuss a pilot program that would allow personal delivery devices (PDDs) to operate on city sidewalks and pedestrian paths. The proposal aims to introduce a new last-mile delivery option for local businesses.

The program, as envisioned by the city’s Economic Development Division, would permit up to 60 autonomous delivery robots to navigate Pasadena’s streets, operating within a two-mile radius of partner businesses. 

These devices would travel at walking speed and feature locked containers for secure deliveries.

Proponents argue that the initiative could benefit local merchants by reducing delivery costs and streamlining operations. The city’s proposal suggests that the devices could ease traffic congestion and contribute to climate change efforts, as they are fully electric and emit no carbon.

Several nearby cities have already implemented similar programs, a memorandum from the Economic Development Division said. Santa Monica introduced PDDs in November 2020, followed by Los Angeles in January 2021 and West Hollywood in November 2023.

These municipalities have taken varied approaches to licensing and revenue generation. Los Angeles, for instance, charges a $10,000 annual permit fee, which increases to $20,000 when operators exceed 50 devices, the memo said.

The Pasadena pilot program would include strict regulations for the devices’ operation. PDDs would be required to operate at automation levels 0-3, with level 4 automation potentially considered in the future. Devices must obey all traffic laws and comply with ADA requirements. Parking and movement of these devices would be regulated to ensure they don’t impede sidewalk use.

The proposal includes a cap on the number of devices and operators allowed in the city. Each operator would be limited to 20 devices, with a maximum of three operators permitted during the pilot period. Delivery of cannabis, alcohol, and prescription drugs would be prohibited.

Local businesses, including Café Santorini on West Union Street, Kreation on South Lake Avenue, Sweetfin on South Madison, Main Chick on Union, and Allied Food to Go on East Colorado, have shown interest in the program. The Economic Development Division said they have conducted outreach to business associations and neighboring municipalities to gather information and gauge support.

Operators would be required to submit regular reports on deliveries completed, distance traveled, and incidents occurred. They must also execute an indemnification agreement and comply with insurance requirements set by the city. Marketing and advertising on the devices would be limited to the operator name.

The memo said Pasadena’s Transportation Advisory Commission has recommended several modifications to the proposal. These include implementing an education campaign, defining parking locations for the devices, further specifying the pilot area boundaries, indicating where operators and pilots are located, and identifying parking locations that don’t compete with bicycle parking.

If approved, the pilot program would run for one year. 

Tuesday’s meeting of the Municipal Services Committee will review the proposal and make recommendations. The meeting begins at 4 p.m. and is open to the public.