Delivery Robots Get Legal Status in Washington, D.C.

A delivery drone pilot launched in Washington, D.C. in 2016 has been expanded for further deployment.

1 minute read

May 10, 2018, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Starship Technologies

A Starship Technologies delivery drone at work. | Ohpuu / Wikimedia Commons

"The D.C. Council has passed legislation to permit the large-scale deployment of delivery robots across the city," reports Sara Gilgore.

According to Gilgore, the law was drafted by and for Starship Technologies, a company that has piloted the robots in D.C. since 2016.

The law removes geographic limitations, meaning Starship could seek permits to operate beyond just four ZIP codes, and enter the previously restricted central business district. It would also allow the company to have more than five robots on the streets at a time (which, as those of us familiar know, could mean more barking dogs and curious pedestrians who encounter them).

Expect to see more delivery robots on the streets and sidewalks of D.C. starting this fall. The company partners with DoorDash and Postmates, and also operated in Virginia, Idaho Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, Utah, and several cities in California. Delivery robots are coming soon to Arizona too.

The expansion of Starship's service comes despite reports of drivers striking delivery robots with cars, as detailed in an article by Jeff Clabaugh from February 2018.

Hat tip to Chris Teale for sharing the news.

Monday, May 7, 2018 in Washington Business Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

1 hour ago - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business