Viral incident in Chicago: A delivery robot destroyed a bus stop. Thousands of locals demand their stop
A home delivery robot has gone viral on social media after crashing into a bus stop in Chicago, damaging it. Many locals have complained about the appearance of robots on the streets of the American city.
Robots used in deliveries. Source: Serverobotics.com
A Chicago food delivery robot, part of a pilot program launched in the US city, has gone viral on social media after walking straight through the window of a bus stop.
The robot wreaked havoc in Chicago
The incident, caught on surveillance cameras, sparked a lot of reactions online, and the clip of the robot causing damage in the city also raised serious questions about the future of the pilot program.
The robot went through the window of the station. Photo: CBS News Chicago
“I actually felt a little sorry for him. I never thought a little robot walking into a bus stop could create such a ruckus. I was surprised it could hit so hard and go right through it.” said Bayard Elfvin, CEO of Center Construction Group, the company in front of which the incident happened, according to CBS News Chicago.
Serve Robotics, the company that manages the robot delivery service, said in a statement that it is investigating how the incident occurred and will cover the cost of the already repaired window, stressing that such situations are extremely rare.
“Our robot hit the window. Our local team cleared the area as soon as we learned of the incident and immediately began an investigation to understand how it happened. Such incidents are extremely rare, with our robots making hundreds of thousands of deliveries since 2025 without any serious incident. We are in contact with the parties involved and will cover the cost of the repair.” the company said, according to CBS News Chicago.
The robot wreaked havoc in the American city. Photo: CBS News Chicago
Although no one was injured at the bus stop, Chicago officials said any decision on whether to continue the pilot program to use delivery robots will depend heavily on their safety.
“We stress the importance of public safety and constant monitoring of these robots to prevent damage to people, infrastructure and property. We are glad no one was injured. We will continue to listen to feedback from residents and local businesses as we monitor these robotics companies during the pilot period. We will consider their performance in following safety protocols before deciding whether they will remain in the district after the pilot program ends.” said Walter Burnett, local councilor, quoted by the television station.
Petition to stop the delivery bot program
Some locals have launched a civic initiative to stop robot deliveries. A recent petition gathered more than 3,700 signatures from people who see alarm bells in the pilot program, which will continue until May 2027. Critics of the use of the robots say that during the weekday lunch rush, they see delivery robots crossing the streets in all directions in one neighborhood of the city. But other residents welcomed them with enthusiasm as part of the ongoing pilot program.
“They have more intelligence than humans. They stop for you, pull over, cross on green”said a local woman.
In Chicago, the pilot program for delivery robots is scheduled to continue through May 2027. After that date, it cannot be extended without the approval of the Chicago City Council.
