[zensavona]

My first thought also - I wonder what kind 'self-defense' mechanisms would be legal and/or effective.

It says on the website that the robots are monitored by humans , I think a human voice beaming from the thing saying "Hey, we're recording you messing with our robot" would be enough to deter 95% of potential attackers.

What about the other 5%?

[dfinlay]

As long as the items are low value like groceries, the other 5% probably wouldn't bother. They might be wise to impose a value or insurable limit, at least initially.

[RobertoG]

"I wonder what kind 'self-defense' mechanisms would be legal and/or effective."

Maybe this thing will be followed by a weaponized drone (they tell me is legal in Pakistan).