A latch mechanism for a sidewalk delivery robot or container includes a plunger that extends to engage a latch body on a lid to lock the lid closed, a cable for pulling the plunger out of engagement with the lid to free the lid for opening, and a temporary catch mechanism for holding the plunger in the retracted position during an initial phase of the opening process. The catch, and therefore the plunger, is released when a forward-extending release arm of the catch is engaged by the latch body during the opening process to pivot the catch. A slot hinge mechanism includes a spring piston to guard against finger pinching and a slider that is attached to the piston of the latch mechanism by the cable. Actuation of the hinge mechanism retracts the piston to its retracted position.