Debate Rages Over Chicago's Food Delivery Robots

Residents raise concerns about accessibility, jobs, and safety as autonomous bots take to the sidewalks.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:04pm

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Chicago's pilot program allowing food delivery robots from companies like Coco Robotics and Serve Robotics has sparked a growing debate over who owns the city's sidewalks. While the companies tout the bots as a safer, more sustainable alternative to car deliveries, many residents have raised concerns about accessibility, potential job displacement, and safety issues. A petition calling for a pause on the program has garnered over 3,700 signatures, and some aldermen have blocked expansion plans due to community opposition.

Why it matters

The debate in Chicago reflects a broader national conversation about integrating autonomous technology into public spaces. As cities grapple with balancing innovation and community needs, the outcome in Chicago could set a precedent for how other urban centers approach the introduction of delivery robots.

The details

Chicago's pilot program, approved by the City Council in 2022, has allowed Coco Robotics and Serve Robotics to deploy their autonomous and remotely monitored delivery robots on the city's north and west sides. While the companies tout the bots as a safer and more sustainable alternative to car deliveries, many residents have raised concerns. Lincoln Park resident Josh Robertson launched a petition calling for a pause on the program, citing issues with the robots' impact on pedestrian space and potential job displacement. Over 3,700 people have signed the petition, and some aldermen, like Daniel La Spata of the 1st Ward, have blocked expansion plans due to strong community opposition.

  • The City Council approved the pilot program in 2022.
  • Coco Robotics started operating in Chicago in 2024.
  • Serve Robotics began operations in Chicago in September 2024.
  • As of February 2026, over 3,300 signatures have been collected on the petition calling for a pause on the program.
  • The current pilot program is set to expire in May 2027, requiring City Council approval for continuation.

The players

Coco Robotics

A company that operates food delivery robots in Chicago as part of the city's pilot program.

Serve Robotics

A company that operates autonomous and remotely monitored food delivery robots in Chicago as part of the city's pilot program.

Josh Robertson

A Lincoln Park resident who has become a leading voice in the opposition to the delivery robots, launching a petition that has garnered over 3,700 signatures.

Daniel La Spata

The alderman of Chicago's 1st Ward, who blocked an expansion of the delivery robot program in his ward after a resident survey revealed strong opposition.

Ali Kashani

The CEO of Serve Robotics, who acknowledges the pushback and emphasizes the company's willingness to engage with the community.

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What they’re saying

“This is a vehicle in the pedestrian path space that's meant for people, and yet we ended up stepping aside.”

— Josh Robertson, Lincoln Park resident

“People can reach out to us. Every email receives a response.”

— Ali Kashani, CEO, Serve Robotics

What’s next

The current pilot program, managed by the Chicago Department of Transportation and the Business Affairs and Consumer Protection office, is set to expire in May 2027, requiring City Council approval for continuation.

The takeaway

The debate in Chicago over delivery robots reflects a broader national conversation about the integration of autonomous technology into public spaces. As cities grapple with issues of accessibility, safety, and economic impact, the future of delivery robots remains uncertain, and the outcome in Chicago could set a precedent for other urban centers considering similar programs.