The Block Club Chicago Podcast

Why Many Chicagoans Are Saying No To More Delivery Robots

Feb 11, 2026
Josh Robertson, a community organizer behind the 'No Sidewalk Bots' petition, mobilizes residents against expanded delivery robots. He recounts close encounters and how robots disrupt family walks. He shares petition growth, 850+ incident reports, concerns about surveillance and accessibility, and urges city agencies to study impacts before allowing wider rollout.
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INSIGHT

Local Vote Halted Robot Expansion

  • A 1st Ward survey found 83% of neighbors opposed expanding robot operations there.
  • Ald. La Spata decided not to expand the pilot based on that resounding feedback.
ANECDOTE

Family Walk Interrupted By A Robot

  • Josh Robertson first found the robots amusing until one approached his family on a walk and made them step aside.
  • He felt that being forced to yield to a robot undermined the dignity of pedestrian space.
INSIGHT

Question Robot Benefits Claims

  • Robertson doubts companies' claims that robots reduce car congestion and emissions without supporting data.
  • He warns robots may simply replace bike or walking trips and create more chaotic public ways.
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