The proliferation of autonomous food delivery robots in Chicago has sparked a multifaceted debate, with proponents touting their efficiency and opponents citing concerns over safety and sidewalk congestion. As these robotic carts, adorned with vibrant flags, navigate the city's sidewalks and crosswalks, they have become a ubiquitous sight, ferrying tacos and other culinary delights to awaiting customers. However, their increasing presence has also been accompanied by a surge in incidents, including sidewalk standoffs, traffic jams, and a handful of collisions, which have raised questions about their integration into the urban landscape. The city's statistics reveal that the red Coco robots, which debuted in late 2024, and the green units from Serve Robotics, introduced last fall, have collectively logged over 29,000 sidewalk miles and delivered nearly 28,000 food orders. Despite these impressive numbers, the robots' safety record has been called into question, with some residents, like DePaul-area resident Janice Hughes, reporting harrowing encounters, including being rear-ended by a Coco robot while tending to her parkway. Hughes' criticism that the robots "don't have the education or ability to recognize how to curb themselves" succinctly encapsulates the concerns of many who feel that the robots are not yet sophisticated enough to navigate the complexities
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