Woman sues Starship after delivery robot allegedly knocks her down

TEMPE, Ariz. — A Valley woman has sued Starship Technologies, alleging one of the company’s autonomous food delivery robots knocked her to the ground while she was working as a parking attendant at an Arizona State University parking garage in Fall 2023. Trudy Perez, who was 73 years old when the incident occurred, said she suffered serious injuries, including a spinal fracture.

According to the lawsuit, Perez encountered a Starship delivery robot at an ASU parking garage. The robot crossed in front of her, but as she walked behind it, it reversed and knocked her to the ground.

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An Arizona State University Police Department report states the robot drove away after Perez fell, then reversed a second time while she remained on the ground. The responding officer documented a cut on her arm, according to the report.

The lawsuit states Perez was later diagnosed with a spinal fracture and suffered permanent injuries.

In a statement provided by Vrana Law Firm, which represents Perez, the firm said: “Ms. Perez suffered serious injuries when a Starship robot suddenly changed direction, reversed into her, and knocked her to the ground. She sustained a spinal fracture, among other injuries, resulting in lifelong impairment.”

The police report states Starship Technologies provided investigators with video footage from the robot.

Perez alleges Starship failed to safely operate the robot.

Attorney Josh Kolsrud, who is not involved in the case, said Arizona law requires operators of autonomous delivery robots to take reasonable steps to prevent the devices from injuring pedestrians.

Kolsrud also outlined Arizona’s requirements for companies operating autonomous delivery robots, including having a human operator remotely monitor the devices.

“That means that they are responsible for not injuring other people wrongly, and also, you know, if somebody damages the robot, they can be held liable as well.”

Kolsrud said Arizona law requires delivery robots to be monitored by a human operator and insured.

“Including having insurance of at least $100,000 on each robot, as well as having a human, a real person that’s monitoring the robot itself.”

He said lawsuits involving autonomous technology could encourage companies to improve safety.

“If companies see that they’re going to lose a lot of money if they don’t make these products safer, they have to fix it. Period.”

Starship Technologies declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The case is scheduled for a jury trial in early 2027.

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