Community Corner

See FedEx's Package Robots Roll Through NYC Streets

New Yorkers have lots of questions about SameDay Bot. Among them: Does it also get its own street lane, and how long until NYC kills it?

FedEx's new package-delivering robots have been spotted in Manhattan.
FedEx's new package-delivering robots have been spotted in Manhattan. (Courtesy of YouTube)

NEW YORK CITY — The robots are coming for you, and they have that gift wrapping you ordered.

FedEx's new package-delivering robots have been spotted in the streets of New York City this week, according to bemused city dwellers who took to social media with their questions.

"Why do I want to drop kick that thing so badly?" Asked @ZackAnders1 on Twitter.

Find out what's happening in New York Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Great," wrote Reddit user Janku. "So we're going to need another lane for autonomous delivery robots now?"

"Quick question," asked @SkraggerGrimm. "How long will thing survive when a group of 'Unruly teens' gets a hold of it?"

Find out what's happening in New York Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The SameDay Bot is a new device FedEx rolled out in February that uses artificial intelligence, sensors and stair-climbing wheels to deliver "all kinds of cargo."

"Until the day I die, I won't know why, I knew he needed me," the robot appears to sing in a promotional video about a SameDay Bot delivering medicine.

"He needs me, he needs me, needs me, he needs me, he needs me."

Reddit user Heidiwearsglasses spotted the SameDay Bot on Thursday in Soho, as first reported by Gothamist, and filmed it opening its doors and twirling.

"Skynet sending it's [sic] soldiers into the streets of nyc [sic]," the Redditer wrote.

The Twitter account @WhatIsNewYork shared video of the robot rolling down Crosby Street near Houston Street.

"All I’m thinking of is how many jobs this is taking away," one follower responded.

Said another, "Son it's new york [sic], someone will try and steal Wall-E."


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