Russia Develops Traffic Rules for Delivery Robots
Russian authorities have drafted rules that would regulate robotic couriers in cities for the first time, covering everything from speeds in pedestrian areas to robot identification.
Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin announced the plans ahead of the Eastern Economic Forum. He said the relevant government agencies have already agreed on the main requirements for automated couriers. Authorities plan to test the new rules under an experimental legal regime in 35 regions across Russia for three years, allowing them to gather data and refine the regulations.
Nikitin said the Ministry of Economic Development developed the initiative with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with the goal of establishing clear, safe rules for robots operating in cities. The proposal puts particular emphasis on pedestrians: the machines must not obstruct or endanger them.
The final government resolution will specify the areas and routes where rover traffic will be restricted or prohibited. The initiative will also be discussed on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, which will take place in Vladivostok from September 1 to 4.
