Coco, the food delivery robot, is rolling through Chicago, offering a unique delivery experience for locals
Chicago: So, there’s this cool new food delivery robot named Coco cruising around the city. Picture a little beer cooler on wheels, and you’ve got it. Recently, Coco was on a mission with a steak quesadilla, rolling down the sidewalk in River West.
But wait, it hit a snag! A postal truck was blocking its path. Instead of freaking out, Coco just paused, lights flashing gently, and waited for about five minutes until the truck moved. Then, off it went again!
Coco Robotics, based in Los Angeles, is trying out this delivery service in Chicago. Unlike other robots that stuck to college campuses, Coco is braving busy streets and intersections, thanks to its cameras and sensors. Plus, there’s a human pilot keeping an eye on things from afar.
In early December, you could spot around twenty of these pink robots zipping around the 27th and 34th Wards, which cover popular areas like Fulton Market and the West Loop. They’re available for any restaurant in those neighborhoods, making it super convenient for food lovers.
Each Coco weighs about 100 pounds and can zoom along at 5 mph. Customers place their orders through DoorDash, and when Coco arrives, they just hit a button to open its cargo hold. Easy peasy!
This pilot program is set to run until May 31, and the founder, Zach Rash, is optimistic about expanding the service across Chicago eventually. Coco has a fleet of about 1,000 robots, mostly in LA, and so far, they’ve managed to avoid any accidents in Chicago.
Now, you might wonder how these robots handle Chicago winters. Rash is confident, mentioning that they also operate in Helsinki, where it gets super cold. The robots are all-wheel drive, which helps them navigate snowy streets.
One Coco took about 35 minutes to deliver that quesadilla, dodging cracks in the sidewalk and stopping at crosswalks. People were definitely curious, with some stopping to take a look as it made its way to its destination.
When it finally arrived, Kiley Kio was waiting outside her high-rise. She opened the robot’s lid using her app and was pleasantly surprised that her food was warmer than usual. Plus, the delivery charge was about the same as a human driver, but without the need to tip!
However, with a single quesadilla taking an hour for a round trip, you have to wonder if this is a money-making venture. The previous robot delivery service at UIC ended last May, but Coco claims they’re profitable in LA, completing over half a million deliveries at a lower cost than human drivers.
So, if you’re in Chicago, keep an eye out for Coco! It’s a fun and innovative way to get your food delivered.
