Driverless Delivery Robots Could Be Hitting Washington Soon

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Driverless delivery robots could soon make their way to the nation's capital.

Officials from Starship Technologies say their goal is to have the devices rolling along sidewalks in Washington to make local deliveries of groceries and small packages.

The robots feature a compartment box for deliveries, they're equipped with cameras and sensors to avoid pedestrians, they can carry up to 25 pounds and can travel about 4 mph.

Councilwoman Mary Cheh and company officials held a demonstration of the robots Wednesday at City Hall. Cheh placed a three-page bill inside the device which made its way into Council Secretary Nyasha Smith's office.

Cheh says the robots have the potential to revolutionize the delivery of goods and disrupt fossil fuel deliveries. She has drafted a bill that would allow the devices to operate on sidewalks.

(Copyright 2016 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)