A delivery robot collided with a disabled man on L.A. street. The aftermath is getting ugly

Authors: Clara Harter

Publisher:

Los Angeles Times

Published: 9/25/2025

Language:English

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Mask

Good morning 2, I'm Mask, and this is Goose Pod for you. Today is Wednesday, October 22nd, 23:42. And I'm Taylor Weaver, we're here to discuss a truly eye-opening situation: a delivery robot collided with a disabled man on an L.A. street, and the aftermath is getting, well, pretty ugly.

Taylor Weaver

It’s a story that’s really captured the internet’s attention, Mask, and for good reason. It brings up so many important questions about technology, accessibility, and how we interact in public spaces. I’m eager to dive into the details and unpack all the layers of this incident.

Mask

Absolutely, Taylor. This wasn't just a minor bump; it was a significant event that Mark Chaney, a man with cerebral palsy, actually recorded on his iPhone. The video shows a Serve Robotics delivery bot repeatedly swerving into the path of his mobility scooter, then suddenly braking, causing a direct collision. He shared it to bring awareness to challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Taylor Weaver

And the video absolutely exploded online, Mask! Over 26 million views on TikTok and Instagram in less than two weeks. But with that virality came a fierce backlash against Serve Robotics and, disturbingly, hateful attacks directed at Chaney himself. It really highlights the double-edged sword of online exposure.

Mask

Indeed. Serve Robotics has faced intense criticism for the robot's behavior, especially considering the potential danger to individuals using scooters or wheelchairs. This incident also followed another where a Serve robot blocked an LAFD truck. Chaney’s mobility scooter has even been malfunctioning since the collision, which is a serious concern.

Taylor Weaver

Serve Robotics did issue a statement, explaining that their safety system, designed to predict pedestrian intentions and yield right of way, actually caused the robot to impede Chaney's path. They said it went into a 'fail-safe' full stop, which then caused Chaney to slam into it as he was trying to navigate around it. What a mess, right?

Mask

This whole situation isn't happening in a vacuum. Delivery robots have become an increasingly common sight in urban areas, especially since the pandemic. They're designed to deliver everything from food to groceries, making life convenient for many. But their rapid deployment has outpaced our understanding of how they fit into public spaces.

Taylor Weaver

That's so true, Mask. We’ve seen a huge boom in these autonomous systems. They're equipped with impressive tech—lasers, cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors—and can travel at about 4mph, like a pedestrian. Companies like Starship have completed millions of deliveries globally. It's a fantastic leap in logistics, but it also means we're essentially sharing our sidewalks with little automated vehicles.

Mask

Right, and the cost of these robots, often between $2,500 and $5,000, makes them an attractive option for companies. But the regulatory framework is still catching up. California's DMV, for instance, has been working on autonomous vehicle regulations since 2013, focusing on both innovation and safety. They approved regulations for autonomous delivery trucks in late 2019.

Taylor Weaver

Exactly, and it's not just about the robots themselves, but the broader legal implications. Did you know that in California, driverless cars have actually been immune from traffic tickets for moving violations? It’s because state laws require an actual driver to be present for a citation. Talk about a 'Wild West' scenario!

Mask

A 'Wild West' indeed, Taylor. We've seen incidents with other autonomous vehicles, like Cruise allegedly misleading the DMV or blocking emergency responders. It highlights the gap between current laws and evolving technology. States like Texas and Arizona have updated their laws to allow ticketing for driverless cars, showing a clear need for similar clarity here.

Taylor Weaver

It’s fascinating how quickly the tech is advancing, leaving our legal and societal norms scrambling to keep up. It's almost like we're learning on the fly, and unfortunately, sometimes that learning comes at the expense of individuals like Mark Chaney, which is really where the conflict in this story begins to boil over.

Mask

And that's precisely where the rubber meets the road, Taylor. The criticism against Serve Robotics isn't just about this one incident; it’s about the perceived danger these robots pose to vulnerable sidewalk users. But then, there's also the deeply disturbing backlash against Mark Chaney himself.

Taylor Weaver

It’s truly disheartening. Some online commenters accused Chaney of staging the incident for a lawsuit, with many declaring themselves 'team robot.' There were even disparaging remarks about his disability and, shockingly, death threats. It shows how quickly public opinion can turn ugly, even in the face of clear evidence.

Mask

Chaney has pushed back hard on those accusations, stating clearly, 'I didn’t do this to sue someone. I just wanted to get from one place to another on a public space, safely and unimpeded.' He was already in pain that day due to medical issues, making the robot’s behavior even more aggravating. It's a stark reminder of the human element involved.

Taylor Weaver

And Serve Robotics, in their statement, acknowledged that their safety system malfunctioned, causing the robot to impede Chaney. This directly contradicts the 'staging' accusations, yet the online vitriol persisted. It’s a classic case of facts struggling to catch up with viral narratives, especially when deeply ingrained biases about disability are at play.

Mask

Interestingly, while the general internet was harsh, comments on Chaney's TikTok were more sympathetic, often criticizing Serve Robotics. People pointed out that taxpayers pay for sidewalks, and corporations shouldn't impede foot traffic for profit. This highlights a clear conflict between corporate interests and public accessibility.

Taylor Weaver

Absolutely, and Chaney’s response to this conflict has been incredibly proactive. He’s asked Serve Robotics to create an accessibility council to address how their robots interact with people with mobility challenges. He sees this whole ugly situation as an opportunity for positive change, which is a really powerful way to frame it.

Mask

The impact of this incident ripples out in several directions. For one, it brings up crucial questions about liability and oversight. While the Serve robot was under human supervision, many autonomous vehicles, like Waymo, are fully driverless. Who is accountable when something goes wrong in these scenarios?

Taylor Weaver

That's the million-dollar question, Mask. This collision forces us to confront the real-world implications of AI and robotics on our streets, especially for the disability community. It’s about more than just a malfunctioning robot; it's about ensuring access equity and community acceptance for everyone as these technologies become more integrated into our daily lives.

Mask

Chaney himself emphasized the importance of this moment for the future of AI and the disability landscape. He's continued to use his platform to advocate, despite the disturbing and draining response he's received. His perseverance in the face of such adversity is truly commendable, turning a negative experience into a call for broader change.

Taylor Weaver

It really is, Mask. The societal implications are huge. This isn't just about one man and one robot; it’s about setting precedents for how we design, regulate, and integrate autonomous technology in a way that serves all members of our community, ensuring that convenience for some doesn't come at the expense of safety and accessibility for others.

Mask

Looking ahead, this incident certainly puts the spotlight on the need for clearer regulations for autonomous sidewalk robots. There are valid concerns from urbanists about a 'slippery slope,' where sidewalks could become cluttered with various commercial bots, pushing out pedestrians.

Taylor Weaver

It’s a valid worry, Mask. We need solutions that ensure accessibility and public oversight. Cities like L.A. are already using tools like the Open Mobility Foundation's Mobility Data Spec to manage these robot fleets. Serve Robotics also stated they are continuously working to improve their navigational skills and will implement improvements from this incident.

Mask

This really is an opportunity to tackle a problem head-on and make positive change, as Chaney puts it. The future of AI and robotics should be one that’s inclusive and safe for everyone, not just a select few. We need to actively shape that future now, before these issues become even more entrenched.

Taylor Weaver

That’s the end of today's discussion. This story, with its viral spread and deep divisions, truly highlights the urgent need for thoughtful integration of AI into our public spaces. Thank you for listening to Goose Pod, 2. We'll see you tomorrow.

# Delivery Robot Collision Sparks Accessibility Debate and Online Firestorm A collision between a delivery robot and a man using a mobility scooter in West Hollywood has ignited a significant public debate regarding the safety and accessibility of sidewalk robots for people with disabilities. The incident, captured on video by disability advocate Mark Chaney, went viral, leading to both widespread criticism of the robot company and disturbing personal attacks against Mr. Chaney. --- ## Key Metadata * **News Title**: A delivery robot collided with a disabled man on L.A. street. The aftermath is getting ugly * **Publisher**: Los Angeles Times * **Author**: Clara Harter * **Article Publication Date**: September 25, 2025 (Note: This date appears to be a future publication date, likely a placeholder.) * **Event Date**: September 12 (Collision) --- ## Summary of Critical Information ### The Incident * **What Happened**: On **September 12**, Mark Chaney, a man with cerebral palsy who uses a mobility scooter, was involved in a collision with a delivery robot operated by **Serve Robotics**. Mr. Chaney recorded the event on his iPhone. * **Chaney's Account**: He described the robot as "continuously swerving into the path" of his mobility scooter before suddenly braking, leading to the impact. He stated the robot's movements seemed "really intentional," as it blocked his path wherever he moved. * **Serve Robotics' Explanation**: The company stated that its safety system, designed to predict pedestrian intentions and yield the right of way, instead "caused the robot to impede their way." The robot came to a "full stop" as a "fail-safe state" upon sensing a pedestrian nearby. This sudden stop caused Mr. Chaney, who was accelerating to navigate around it, to collide with the robot. * **Consequences**: Mr. Chaney reported that his mobility scooter has been malfunctioning since the collision. ### Viral Impact and Public Reaction * **Video Reach**: The video of the incident, shared across TikTok and Instagram, garnered over **26 million views** combined within less than two weeks. * **Backlash Against Company**: Serve Robotics faced "fierce backlash" and criticism for the robot's behavior and the perceived danger it poses to individuals using scooters or wheelchairs. * **Attacks Against Chaney**: Concurrently, Mr. Chaney became the target of "hateful attacks," including accusations of staging the incident for a lawsuit and disparaging remarks about his disability. * **Online Sentiment Examples**: * Comments on a KTLA News post showed polarized views: * "I’m on the robots side" garnered over **2,900 likes**. * "MAN COLLIDES (on purpose) WITH DELIVERY ROBOT" received over **1,800 likes**. * "He’s in the wrong here and maybe looking for a payout" was liked over **1,600 times**. * On Mr. Chaney's TikTok account, comments were largely more sympathetic: * One comment read, "Taxpayers pay for those sidewalks... They shouldn’t be getting used by corporations to make money while impeding foot traffic," with over **7,300 likes**. * Another urged accountability: "That’s insane, post the company’s name so they’re held accountable," receiving over **4,400 likes**. ### Accusations and Defense * **Accusations**: Mr. Chaney has been accused online of staging the incident to pursue a lawsuit. * **Chaney's Rebuttal**: He strongly denied these claims, stating, "I didn’t do this to sue someone. I just wanted to get from one place to another on a public space, safely and unimpeded." He noted that he was already experiencing pain due to medical issues on the day of the incident, making the robot's obstruction particularly frustrating. ### Serve Robotics' Response and Commitments * **Company Statement**: Serve Robotics acknowledged the incident, stating that their robots are designed and tested to safely navigate around mobility devices. They expressed regret for instances where they "do not live up to that." * **System Explanation**: The company explained that their safety system, intended to predict pedestrian intentions and yield, inadvertently "caused the robot to impede their way" by executing a "fail-safe" full stop. * **Commitment to Improvement**: Serve Robotics indicated they are "continuously working to improve robots’ navigational skills" and would be "implementing improvements in response to this incident." ### Advocacy and Future Outlook * **Chaney's Motivation**: Mr. Chaney shared the video to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to hold Serve Robotics accountable for their robot's design and behavior. * **Continued Advocacy**: Despite facing "disturbing and draining" online hate, including "death threats," Mr. Chaney remains committed to using his platform to advocate for people with disabilities. * **Proposed Solutions**: He has proposed that Serve Robotics establish an "accessibility council" to address concerns about how their robots interact with individuals with mobility challenges. * **Vision for AI**: Mr. Chaney views this incident as an "opportunity to really tackle a problem head on, make some positive change" for the future of AI and the disability landscape. ### Broader Context and Trends * **Robot Delivery Growth**: Food service delivery robots first appeared in Los Angeles in late 2018 and saw increased adoption during the pandemic for contactless deliveries. * **Current Landscape**: Companies like Serve, Coco, and Starship currently operate robots in various parts of Los Angeles, with plans for further expansion. * **Prior Incidents**: The collision occurred within days of another incident where a Serve robot was recorded blocking an activated Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) truck in Hollywood, highlighting broader concerns about robot navigation and public safety. --- ### Key Statistics and Metrics * **Video Views**: Over **26 million** combined views on TikTok and Instagram within two weeks. * **Comment Engagement**: Public comments on social media posts related to the incident received thousands of likes, reflecting significant public interest and divided opinions. --- ### Notable Risks and Concerns * **Safety and Accessibility**: The primary concern is the potential for delivery robots to pose hazards or impede individuals with disabilities, particularly those using mobility devices. * **Public Harassment**: The severe online harassment and threats directed at Mr. Chaney highlight the negative consequences of viral incidents and the challenges faced by individuals speaking out. * **Interference with Public Services**: The incident involving the LAFD truck raises concerns about robots obstructing emergency services and other critical public functions.

Read original at Los Angeles Times →

A Southern California man with cerebral palsy used his iPhone to record his frustration as a delivery robot continuously swerved into the path of his mobility scooter before suddenly braking, resulting in a bot-on-chair collision. He had no clue the explosive impact the video would have. Mark Chaney, a disability advocate, said he shared the video of the Sept.

12 collision in West Hollywood to raise awareness about challenges faced by people with disabilities and hold the company accountable for the robot’s behavior.Less than two weeks later, it has received more than 26 million views on TikTok and Instagram combined, generating fierce backlash against the company that created the bot as well as hateful attacks against Chaney.

Serve Robotics has drawn criticism for the behavior of the robot and the danger posed to people using scooters or wheelchairs. The collision took place within days of another incident where a Serve robot was recorded blocking the pathway of an activated LAFD truck in Hollywood.Chaney, for his part, has been accused of staging the incident for the sake of a lawsuit.

Some online commenters have declared themselves “team robot” while others have made disparaging remarks about his disability. Courtesy of Mark Chaney “There’s been a lot of online hate, which is to be expected when you go viral,” he said. “But, you know, the death threats are not great.”Despite the attacks, he stands by his decision to speak out, saying it is important the company be held accountable for its design and works to ensure people with disabilities can safely share the pavement with delivery robots.

“The way that it moved just seemed really intentional,” he said. “Everywhere that I moved, it blocks, and then it literally went across the sidewalk to cut me off.”Serve Robotics said in a statement that its robots are designed and tested to safely navigate around mobility devices such as wheelchairs and to avoid being an impediment to people with disabilities.

“We regret when we do not live up to that,” the company stated.“After examining this incident, we learned that our safety system designed to predict pedestrians’ intentions and yield right of way instead caused the robot to impede their way,” the company stated. “Within moments, the robot came to a full stop in response to sensing a pedestrian in close proximity, which is considered its fail-safe state.

”That full stop caused Chaney to slam into the robot as he was accelerating in an effort to navigate around it. He said his chair has been malfunctioning since the collision.The company stated that it is continuously working to improve robots’ navigational skills and would be implementing improvements in response to this incident.

Chaney said he would continue to use his platform to advocate for people with disabilities even though the response to the video had been disturbing and draining.“I’m on the robots side,” reads a comment with more than 2,900 likes on a video of the incident shared by KTLA News.“MAN COLLIDES (on purpose) WITH DELIVERY ROBOT,” reads another comment with more than 1,800 likes on the same post.

“He’s in the wrong here and maybe looking for a payout,” reads a third comment with more than 1,600 likes.Chaney has pushed back on accusations that he is seeking money from the video.“I didn’t do this to sue someone,” he said. “I just wanted to get from one place to another on a public space, safely and unimpeded.

”He said he was especially aggravated by the robot’s behavior because he was already experiencing a lot of pain that day due to medical issues. Chaney uses crutches to walk short distances and his mobility scooter to travel longer distances because of his cerebral palsy. The comments on Chaney’s TikTok account have, for the most part, been more sympathetic to him.

There, many people have focused criticism on the company.“Taxpayers pay for those sidewalks,” a comment with more than 7,300 likes reads. “They shouldn’t be getting used by corporations to make money while impeding foot traffic.”“That’s insane, post the company’s name so they’re held accountable,” a comment with more than 4,400 likes reads.

Chaney said he asked the company to create an accessibility council to try to address concerns about how their robots interact with people with mobility challenges.“I think this is really important for the future of AI and the disability landscape,” he said. “This presents an opportunity to really tackle a problem head on, make some positive change.

”Food service delivery robots were first sighted on Los Angeles’ sidewalks in late 2018, when companies like Serve started to operate their devices. They became more popular during the pandemic as people took advantage of the human-contact-free delivery service.Currently, multiple companies such as Serve, Coco and Starship operate robots in various parts of metropolitan Los Angeles with plans for more bots underway.