Overview
- The suit says a Starship delivery robot crossed in front of Trudy Perez, reversed into her, drove away and then reversed back while she lay injured in an ASU parking garage in fall 2023.
- Perez, who was 73 at the time, alleges she suffered a spinal fracture, a four-inch cut and lifelong physical impairment, according to court filings and statements from her lawyers.
- Police reports and the lawsuit say the device recorded video of the incident and Starship provided that footage to investigators while the company declined to comment on the active case.
- Arizona law requires human remote monitoring of autonomous delivery devices and at least $100,000 in liability insurance per unit, rules that lawyers say will be central at the jury trial scheduled for early 2027.
- Legal commentators note this type of personal injury suit can prompt companies to tighten remote monitoring and safety protocols as delivery robots spread on campuses and city sidewalks.