Companies seeking to expand food delivery robot operations in Wicker Park and Logan Square will not be allowed to do so after residents voiced strong opposition, according to Ald. Daniel La Spata (1st).
A community meeting hosted by La Spata’s office last week brought together representatives from Coco and Serve Robotics, both of which wanted permission to operate their robots throughout the 1st Ward. These companies have been part of a pilot program approved in 2022 that allows delivery robots on Chicago sidewalks. Coco began operating in late 2024, while Serve introduced its robots in September.
Currently, Coco operates only on the eastern edge of the 1st Ward in Wicker Park. Serve previously operated briefly before being asked by La Spata’s office to halt operations due to licensing and boundary concerns.
During the meeting, residents questioned company representatives about issues including accessibility, data collection, and pedestrian safety. Following this event, nearly 500 residents responded to an online survey distributed by La Spata’s office. The results showed significant opposition: more than 83 percent “strongly disagreed” with expanding robot deliveries across the ward.
“That doesn’t sound like a maybe,” said La Spata on Monday. “We’re not pulling back Coco from their current partial service area on the east side of the ward, but there is no appetite for expansion.”
Since their introduction in late 2024, delivery robots have been a point of contention in Chicago neighborhoods. Some residents have raised concerns about sidewalk congestion and privacy; one Lincoln Park resident even started an online petition urging city officials to pause the program.
The self-driving robots are monitored remotely by human employees via video feeds and are limited to speeds of up to five miles per hour but often move slower when sidewalks are crowded, according to Carl Hansen, head of government relations for Coco.
Yariel Diaz, director of government affairs at Serve Robotics, told attendees at last week’s meeting that these robots address short-distance deliveries that are less likely to be accepted by human drivers: “It is an option for the consumer. It is an option that you’re given when you are ordering from a restaurant that partners with us. It is not a mandate,” Diaz said.
The current pilot program allowing robot deliveries will expire in May 2027 unless extended by City Council approval as stated on the city’s website.
