San Jose Moves to Set Rules for Expanding Fleet of Delivery Robots

Small autonomous bots have rolled along Downtown San Jose sidewalks since spring, ferrying meals from local restaurants to nearby customers. Now the city is preparing formal regulations that could allow a broader rollout, including larger models designed for bike lanes.

Transportation officials presented draft rules during a community meeting this week. The proposal would create a year-long permit system for companies operating the devices. Speed on sidewalks, pathways and crosswalks would be capped at 5 mph. Smaller units would need visibility flags, and operators would have to clear any immobilized bots from public areas within a reasonable time. The city could withhold additional permits if numbers grew too high and would retain authority to issue fines or revoke operating rights for violations.

Two firms, Coco Robotics and Serve Robotics, currently run about 35 of the cooler-sized machines combined. DoorDash has signaled interest in introducing its taller Dot robot, roughly five feet high and capable of traveling up to 20 mph in bike lanes under a monitored pilot. Officials framed the electric machines as a way to trim vehicle trips for food pickups while improving access for residents with limited mobility.

Residents raised practical questions about sidewalk congestion, especially for people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids, and about how faster bots would share narrow bike channels with cyclists. Industry representatives stressed the need for public comfort if the technology is to succeed. Staff indicated the finalized package would head to City Council in September, with a possible launch of the permit program in late fall or winter.

The discussion reflects San Jose’s effort to guide new mobility tools rather than simply react to them. As more restaurants and delivery platforms explore automation, clear local standards will help determine whether these devices become a routine, low-impact part of city streets or create new friction on shared paths.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Coco Robotics Rolls Out Autonomous Delivery Fleet in Downtown San Jose Through Uber Eats

Residents who order through Uber Eats in Downtown San Jose will soon spot a new fleet of 20 autonomous robots navigating sidewalks as Coco Robotics expands its partnership into the Bay Area. The Santa Monica company deployed the bots earlier this week, bringing contactless, efficient delivery directly to local restaurants and customers.

San Jose stood out as an ideal launch point because of its dense urban core, deep technology heritage, and vibrant restaurant community. Tech and finance professionals concentrated here create steady demand for quick, reliable meals, while the city’s innovation DNA aligns perfectly with Coco’s purpose-built sidewalk robots.

Customers simply choose the automated option at checkout on Uber Eats and follow the bot’s progress in real time. Merchants receive brief training, then load hot dishes straight into the robot’s insulated compartment so food stays fresh and arrives on schedule. Owners like those at popular downtown spots have already noted how the system eases parking pressures and speeds up high-volume takeout during busy periods.

Beyond convenience, Coco shares sidewalk data with the city and BlindSquare app to help visually impaired pedestrians. When a bot senses an obstacle, it notifies users who can verify and update the map, turning everyday deliveries into contributions toward safer public spaces for everyone.

This rollout positions Downtown San Jose at the forefront of practical robotics adoption while supporting local eateries and reducing delivery vehicle traffic. As the global market for such technology surges, San Jose demonstrates how thoughtful integration of automation can enhance daily life and reinforce the city’s role as a leader in forward-thinking urban solutions.

Source: SVBJ

SJC now has robot helpers

San Jose International now has three robots to help "Silicon Valley's Airport" feel more like, well, Silicon Valley's Airport. The set of robots cost $120,000 and are named Norma, Amelia, and Piper. They conveniently speak six different languages and can help travelers find their way, locate places to dine, and provide helpful information. They'll even take photos and email them to you. This is a neat little way to make the airport more interesting to visitors.

The robots were programmed by a Milpitas-based company called 22 Miles and manufactured by Korea-based Future Robot.

You can find SJC's newest robotic attractions near Gates 11, 21, and 25. For more info, you can follow the trio on Twitter at #SJCRobots.

Source: SVBJ

Robots Less Likely to Replace San Jose Jobs

There have been several reports floating around claiming that robots are going to make a large number of jobs obsolete. The unfortunate reality is that those reports are likely correct. However, there is a silver lining.

San Jose will feel less of an impact on the robot uprising than other cities. Why is that? Skilled labor is the least likely to be replaced in the immediate future, and that is exactly where most of San Jose's jobs lie. A secondary, almost ironic reason is that San Jose area companies are most likely to be the ones designing and developing robot hardware and software. In this context, our region might end up becoming one of the largest beneficiaries of these upcoming changes.

Source: SVBJ

Robot at Orchard Supply in San Jose