Full Breakdown
Delivery Robots Involved in Multiple Crashes Raise Safety Concerns in Chicago
3/25/2026, 11:17:45 AM
Recent Incidents Highlight Safety Risks
In a troubling series of events, delivery robots in Chicago have crashed into bus shelters on two separate occasions within a week. The latest incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the Old Town neighborhood, near North Avenue and Halsted Street, where a robot from Coco Robotics collided with a bus shelter, shattering glass on the sidewalk. Eyewitnesses reported that while no injuries occurred, the potential for harm was significant, especially if someone had been seated in the shelter at the time of the crash. Local resident Jillian Grazioso expressed concern, stating, "They'd been in some trouble... they would've had to get paramedic or somebody out here."
Company Responses and Accountability
Coco Robotics acknowledged the incident, with Carl Hansen, the Vice President and Head of Government Relations, stating that the crash was "well outside the norm" of their operations. He emphasized that their robots, which operate at a maximum speed of five miles per hour, prioritize safety. Hansen confirmed that the company is taking full responsibility for the repair costs and has initiated an internal investigation to prevent future occurrences.
This incident follows another crash involving a delivery robot from Serve Robotics, which also collided with a bus shelter in West Town just a day prior. Serve Robotics similarly stated that the crash was rare and committed to covering the repair costs.
Growing Public Concern and Opposition
The repeated incidents have sparked public outcry, with residents questioning the safety of delivery robots in urban environments. A petition initiated by Chicagoan Josh Robertson to end the delivery robot program has already garnered over 3,700 signatures, citing safety and accessibility concerns. Alderman Walter Burnett (27th) indicated that the future of the pilot program, which is set to run through May 2027, will depend heavily on safety assessments. Meanwhile, Alderman Daniel La Spata (1st) noted that the program would not expand, reflecting the negative sentiment among residents.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While both Coco Robotics and Serve Robotics have characterized the crashes as isolated incidents, the frequency of these events raises questions about the overall safety protocols in place for delivery robots. Local residents have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding the measures being taken to ensure public safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a hazard to people's safety,” — Jillian Grazioso, Local Resident
- “Clearly, definitely a hazard, definitely needs to be fixed,” — Chase Harding, Local Resident
- “This is something we take seriously and is well outside the norm of our operations.” — Carl Hansen, Vice President, Coco Robotics
The incidents involving delivery robots in Chicago underscore the need for rigorous safety evaluations as the city navigates the integration of autonomous technology into public spaces.
