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Chicago Delivery Robot Pilot Program Expansion Opposed by Majority of Lakeview East Residents
Residents voice concerns over sharing sidewalks with delivery robots as city considers expanding pilot program.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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A majority of residents in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood have expressed opposition to expanding a city pilot program that allows delivery robots to operate on their sidewalks. Alderman Daniel LaSpata received over 750 responses to a survey, with nearly 84% of residents "strongly disagreeing" with the robots' presence. The organizer of a petition to pause the program, which has over 3,500 signatures, says the community feedback shows Chicago residents' voices are being heard.
Why it matters
The delivery robot pilot program has sparked debate over the use of autonomous technology in urban public spaces, with some residents welcoming the convenience while others raise concerns about safety, accessibility, and potential job displacement. The strong opposition from Lakeview East residents could influence the city's decision on whether to expand the program beyond its current footprint.
The details
The delivery robot pilot program in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood has been operating during the weekday lunch rush, with some residents like Carlotta Trevino appreciating the robots' ability to stop for pedestrians and move out of the way. However, the overwhelming majority of respondents to a survey by Alderman Daniel LaSpata, nearly 84%, said they "strongly disagreed" with sharing the sidewalks with the robots. That number grew to 91% when including responses from outside the 1st Ward. The organizer of a petition to pause the program, Josh Robertson, says the community feedback shows Chicago voices are being heard and that the delivery robot company Coco will continue to operate within its current footprint.
- The delivery robot pilot program is currently scheduled to run until May 2027.
- Alderman Daniel LaSpata recently asked for feedback on whether the community would like to see the pilot program expand.
The players
Carlotta Trevino
A Lakeview East resident who has welcomed the delivery robots to the neighborhood, saying "They have more brains than humans. They stop for you, they move out of the way, they cross with the cross light."
Daniel LaSpata
The First Ward Alderman who recently asked for feedback on whether the community would like to see the delivery robot pilot program expand.
Josh Robertson
The organizer of the NoSidewalkBots.org petition, which has over 3,500 signatures across more than 55 city zip codes, to pause the delivery robot pilot program.
Coco
The delivery robot company that says it will "continue to operate within our current footprint" in Chicago based on the community feedback.
Serve Robotics
The delivery robot company currently operating 50 robots around Chicago as part of the pilot program.
What they’re saying
“They have more brains than humans. They stop for you, they move out of the way, they cross with the cross light.”
— Carlotta Trevino
“We hear numbers like what Alderman LaSpata is reporting, and it's just further illustrative of what we are hearing and have been hearing of the last few months.”
— Josh Robertson, Organizer, NoSidewalkBots.org petition
“The fact that they're taking steps to listen to their constituents shows that this is on the radar, and Chicago voices are being heard.”
— Josh Robertson, Organizer, NoSidewalkBots.org petition
What’s next
The delivery robot pilot program is currently scheduled to run until May 2027. The Chicago City Council will need to approve any extension beyond that date.
The takeaway
The strong opposition from Lakeview East residents to expanding the delivery robot pilot program highlights the ongoing debate over the use of autonomous technology in urban public spaces. While some welcome the convenience, others raise concerns about safety, accessibility, and potential job displacement. The community feedback could influence the city's decision on the future of the program.
