Robo dinner dash: ditch the driver, keep the dinner

In the fast-paced world of food delivery, speed and convenience reign supreme. A new breed of takeout delivery has emerged—one that doesn’t require a break, a tip, or even a driver’s license. Meet the robo-dasher: a sleek, efficient "cooler on wheels" that delivers food directly to your door. These semi-autonomous machines are revolutionizing food delivery, challenging our perceptions of technology, labor, and customer service. Plus, they’re really cool.

In 2021, Starship Technologies launched a pilot food delivery program at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Starship Delivery Robots, powered by machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sensors, navigate the campus with ease. These six-wheeled, cooler-sized vehicles deliver meals from campus-based restaurants to various campus locations. Equipped with multiple cameras, the robots avoid obstacles and prevent collisions with people.

The cameras also monitor the robot's surroundings, triggering an alarm if anyone attempts to interfere with its operation. The program received full support from the City Council, paving the way for other food delivery robots.

On Dec. 6, 2024, Chicago introduced Coco, a food delivery robot servicing the West Loop, River West, and Fulton Market neighborhoods. These remotely piloted robots serve restaurants located within the River West Food Company food court. Customers can place orders through the DoorDash app or directly at the River West kiosk. Once an order is prepared, the restaurant places it in an insulated compartment and locks it with a code. The customer receives the code via the app, and Coco, marked by its red and pink exterior, begins its journey. Upon arrival, the customer enters the code to unlock the compartment and retrieve the meal.

Coco delivers one order at a time and doesn’t make multiple stops. While Coco’s cutting-edge technology allows it to navigate city streets efficiently, it raises important questions about the role of automation in food delivery.

Although Coco can operate for extended periods without breaks and isn’t hindered by traffic, weather, or parking issues, it isn’t designed to replace traditional human delivery drivers. Instead, Coco aims to address gaps in delivery services and improve efficiency, particularly during peak hours, helping reduce wait times. While many restaurants recognize the environmental benefits, the system is still evolving and not without its flaws.

The technology behind robotic delivery is still advancing. As a result, robots may experience technical malfunctions or delays that affect service and reliability. Their ability to navigate complex or unpredictable environments—like congested streets, bad weather, or obstacles—is limited. Additionally, although theft deterrent systems are in place, these robots are still vulnerable to theft or vandalism, especially in high-crime areas. Despite these challenges, robotic food delivery offers significant potential, particularly in environmental sustainability and workforce augmentation.

While robotic delivery systems like Coco represent an exciting leap forward in efficiency and convenience, they come with their own set of challenges. The industry will need to balance innovation, business needs, and customer service. As technology advances, these issues may be addressed, and robots could become a more reliable and sustainable solution for the future of fast-food delivery.