Video of a delivery robot rolling through the shattered glass of the bus shelter it destroyed in West Town went viral earlier this week.
The video, which has amassed 3.6 million views on X as of Tuesday afternoon, captures the moments after the robot went through the glass of the shelter near the intersection of North Racine and West Grand avenues.
The incident caught the attention of Ald. Walter Red Burnett (27th), who noted his office was in contact with Serve Robotics, the owner of the robot.
“We are stressing the importance of public safety and consistent monitoring of these robots to prevent harm to people, infrastructure, and property,” Burnett said in a statement. We have been informed that the company is in talks with the bus shelter provider, and both parties will look to have it repaired as soon as possible. We are glad that no one was hurt.”Serve Robotics were aware of the incident and worked with the bus shelter provider to “quickly clean up” the damages. The company was also reviewing what happened in an attempt to make improvements.
“We have also been in contact with local stakeholders and are committed to addressing any concerns directly,” Serve Robotics said in a statement. “We take this matter very seriously.”
Two companies — Coco Robotics and Serve Robotics — are operating bots on Chicago’s north and west sides under a pilot program City Council passed in 2022. Coco came to town in 2024, and Serve started deploying its fleet last September.
Coco’s bots are always virtually monitored by a human, while Serve’s largely drive themselves, with humans stepping in when necessary.
The pilot program has not been without its critics.
A petition to pause the program until after a public hearing has garnered over 3,700 signatures.
Serve Robotics CEO Ali Kashani told WBEZ that he’s aware of the push back and the company is open to engaging with concerned Chicagoans.
“People can reach out to us,” Kashani said. “Every email is responded to.”
In the 27th Ward, Burnett says he’ll continue to take feedback on the program from residents and local businesses.
“We will consider their performance in complying with safety protocols before making a determination on their presence in the ward following the pilot,” Burnett said.
Contributing: Brandon Kondritz
