Delivery robots occupy sidewalks, sparking controversy, petition calls for their halt
Robot food delivery services are gradually becoming more common in the United States, especially in Los Angeles and Chicago. However, the proliferation of food delivery robots on Chicago's sidewalks has led to a petition calling for a 'temporary suspension' of robot operations, as the robots are occupying space meant for humans.
Delivery Robots Take Over Chicago Sidewalks, Sparking Debate And A Petition To Hit 'Pause'
You can see the delivery robot actually running through the streets of Chicago in the movie below.
CHICAGO | Following delivery robot on EUC - YouTube
While delivery robots from Serve Robotics and Coco, which partner with Uber Eats and Shake Shack, have been well-received by some residents, there have been reports of them getting stuck on snowy roads and having to move around people on sidewalks, raising concerns about safety and accessibility.
It's not going well for the robot delivery services in Chicago ???? pic.twitter.com/dBQqUi1AX4
— Sara Sanchez (@BCB_Sara) December 6, 2025
In response to this situation, Chicago resident Josh Robertson started a petition urging the city to 'pause' the robots. The petition calls on city officials to publish the results of safety and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) investigations, evaluate the data in public hearings, and establish clear rules. As of December 2, Robertson's petition had garnered over 1,500 signatures, including 350 reports of specific problems.
by Phillip Pessar
Viggy Lam of Serve Robotics, which is partnering with Uber Eats and others to begin deploying delivery robots in Chicago from the end of September 2025, claims, 'Our robots are a safer option than distracted drivers and will help alleviate congestion on short-distance deliveries.' While the company has stated that it welcomes feedback from residents, anti-robot residents have criticized the company for 'unilaterally entering the market without regard for the needs of the local community or the convenience of people with disabilities.'
As a government initiative, some Chicago City Council members have begun surveying residents to gather their opinions, but have stated that 'it's too early to reach a conclusion at this point.' Becca Gersh of the Lakeview-Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce has expressed doubts about the sustainability of the pilot program, given the current climate of opposition to robots. Robertson, who is running the petition, said, 'We need proper regulation and discussion before robots become a part of public life.'
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