A viral TikTok captured the moment a fire truck, responding to an emergency in Hollywood, was briefly blocked by an autonomous food delivery robot earlier this week.
The video, posted to multiple social media platforms by local stylist Kassey Rich, shows a small Serve Robotics cart carrying an Uber Eats order when, as if unsure, it awkwardly stops in the crosswalk at Hollywood Boulevard and Wilton Place while a Los Angeles Fire Department truck approaches with lights and sirens on.
Despite emergency vehicles having the right of way, the robot initially (and insecurely) held its position in the intersection.
Serve Robotics confirmed to KTLA that one of its robots 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 stated. “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 autonomous cart was eventually cleared from the path, allowing the fire engine to continue. It was not immediately clear whether the delays caused by this encounter had any consequences at the emergency scene.
KTLA has reached out to LAFD for comment and has not yet heard back.
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