Starship delivery robot injures ASU employee in collision
A Starship Technologies autonomous delivery robot at Arizona State University reversed and struck an employee multiple times in September 2023, causing lower back pain and a laceration. The company initially offered insurance information and promotional codes as compensation.
What happened
At Arizona State University in September, a Starship autonomous delivery robot reversed and struck a university parking employee at a parking garage.
The employee waited for the robot to pass, then crossed behind it. When she did, the robot went into reverse and knocked her to the ground. The robot then reversed again and struck her a second time while she remained on the ground.
Police video footage confirmed the employee's account of the incident.
Reported impact
The employee reported lower back pain and a 4-inch cut on her left arm. She was treated by the Tempe Fire Department and had trouble walking away from the incident.
Index analysis
A company spokesperson told 404 Media the robot hit the pedestrian 'at extremely low speed after detecting an oncoming vehicle.' In response to the incident, the company offered the employee its insurance information and promotional codes for the delivery service.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.