Kirkland could be among a small selection of cities in the United States where Amazon's small delivery robots scoot along sidewalks, through crosswalks and up driveways to bring packages to awaiting residents.
But not quite yet. In a first among cities where Amazon is testing its Scout delivery system, Kirkland will not permit the autonomous personal delivery devices (APDDs) or the dispensers that house them until a moratorium from the city is lifted.
The moratorium, approved last month by the City Council, isn't intended as a permanent ban, city officials said. Instead, Deputy City Manager James Lopez said, it provides more time to address issues like safety, zoning around the device dispensers and how residents feel about the delivery robots in their city. Lopez expects a decision in early May or June.
