Nyc's Robotoilets Enforce Strict 10-Minute Bathroom Limit
WHO:
Fast Company - New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is involved in the initiative to install new public restrooms.
Fast Company - Throne Labs is the company responsible for making and operating the new modular bathrooms.
Fast Company - The Free to Pee Coalition, led by VOCAL-NY and the Coalition for the Homeless, is an advocacy group expressing concerns about the new bathrooms.
WHAT:
Fast Company - The new robotoilets are equipped with amenities such as running water, temperature control, and baby-changing stations.
Fast Company - The pilot program for the robotoilets has a budget of $4 million.
Fast Company - If a user does not exit the robotoilet after 10 minutes, operators at Throne Labs will receive an alert to check on the situation in person.
Fast Company - New York City is installing 17 new modular bathrooms, referred to as robotoilets.
Fast Company - The robotoilets will enforce a strict 10-minute time limit for users.
Fast Company - After 10 minutes, the doors of the robotoilets will automatically open, regardless of whether the user is finished.
Fast Company - Users will receive audio warnings at the five-minute and eight-minute marks before the doors open.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The new robotoilets are being installed across New York City’s five boroughs.
WHEN:
Fast Company - As of June 2025, New York City had 975 operating public restrooms.
Fast Company - The first two robotoilets opened recently, with two more scheduled to open on Thursday.
WHY:
Fast Company - Mayor Mamdani stated, “Too many New Yorkers know what it’s like to have nowhere to go while they’re on the go,” emphasizing the need for accessible public restrooms.
Fast Company - Mayor Mamdani stated that the initiative aims to address the lack of public restrooms in the city, ensuring New Yorkers have access to clean, safe, and accessible bathrooms.
HOW:
Fast Company - Users must either text a designated number, scan a QR code, or use Throne’s app to access the robotoilets, or use a special tap card distributed by local organizations.
Fast Company - The robotoilets will use audio messages in both English and Spanish to inform users when their time is up.
Fast Company - Users must either use a smartphone or a special tap card to access the robotoilets, which raises concerns about accessibility for homeless individuals.
(UPDATED September 17, 2026 23:58 UTC)
A new pilot program for robotoilets has been launched, featuring amenities like running water, temperature control, and baby-changing stations, all backed by a budget of $4 million. Mayor Mamdani highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Too many New Yorkers know what it’s like to have nowhere to go while they’re on the go,” which underscores the need for accessible public restrooms. To use these robotoilets, individuals can text a designated number, scan a QR code, or utilize Throne’s app, as well as a special tap card provided by local organizations.
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(UPDATED September 17, 2026 23:00 UTC)
New York City is set to install 17 new modular bathrooms, known as robotoilets, across its five boroughs, with the initiative led by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and operated by Throne Labs. These robotoilets will enforce a strict 10-minute time limit for users, automatically opening the doors after that period, accompanied by audio warnings in both English and Spanish at the five and eight-minute marks. While the initiative aims to provide clean and accessible restrooms, concerns have been raised by the Free to Pee Coalition about the accessibility of these facilities for homeless individuals, as users must access them via a smartphone or special tap card.