Uber Eats has entered a partnership with Coco Robotics to enhance its autonomous delivery services in Los Angeles. This collaboration aims to integrate Coco’s zero-emission sidewalk robots into Uber Eats’ delivery network, promising a sustainable and efficient solution for customers. Coco Robotics, founded in 2020, has reported completing over 300,000 deliveries, emphasizing its operational capacity and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Coco Robotics previously deployed over 1,000 robots across various neighborhoods in Los Angeles and Finland and is planning further expansion into other U.S. cities and European markets. This new partnership with Uber Eats builds on Coco’s existing presence in the LA area, where it already collaborates with numerous local merchants. Sidewalk delivery robots have been growing in popularity, particularly in urban and campus environments, due to their ability to navigate sidewalks without disrupting traffic.
Expanding Autonomy
The alliance with Coco complements Uber Eats’ ongoing relationship with Serve Robotics, another provider of autonomous delivery solutions in Hollywood. Customers using Uber Eats in areas serviced by Coco’s robots can now select ‘robot‘ as their delivery option, enhancing their delivery experience with innovative technology. Coco plans to significantly increase its fleet, bringing thousands more robots into operation in the near future.
Company Statements
“We’re thrilled to partner with Uber to expand our services to even more customers,”
said Zach Rash, co-founder and CEO of Coco. The company foresees this partnership enabling unprecedented scale and the spread of sustainable, affordable robot deliveries.
“We’re excited to welcome Coco’s sidewalk robots on Uber Eats to enhance the delivery experience for both our merchants and customers,”
stated Noah Zych, global head of autonomous mobility & delivery at Uber. Zych highlighted the partnership as a step towards a more sustainable and autonomous future for delivery services.
Other media reports on previous initiatives by Coco Robotics and Uber Eats have also highlighted the potential for these technologies to reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions in urban areas. Similar partnerships have been noted in other cities, emphasizing the broader trend towards automation in delivery services.
The collaboration between Uber Eats and Coco Robotics signifies a strategic move towards enhancing delivery efficiency and sustainability. With Coco’s expanding fleet and Uber Eats’ wide customer base, the partnership aims to provide a seamless delivery experience while addressing environmental concerns. The emphasis on autonomy in urban deliveries indicates a shift towards integrating advanced technology in daily logistics, potentially setting a precedent for other cities to follow.
