Will Automated Delivery Robots Solve Last-Mile Delivery Issues? – CleanTechnica

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Last Updated on: 27th July 2025, 10:53 am

Or will it cause new ones?

The Traffic Safety Forum at the 125th New York International Auto Show held last April focused on advancements in vehicle technology and road safety.

The fireside chat “The Future of Urban Mobility Safety” was a dynamic session that explored how technology and smart infrastructure are shaping city streets. Technologies that ensure safe routes to designing intelligent systems that protect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists also delved into the evolving role of autonomous vehicles in urban planning and public safety.

Zach Rash, Co-Founder & CEO of COCO, shared how his company’s offerings specifically utilize simple but advanced motor and battery technologies, AI, and data to enhance urban mobility using Coco, its red-orange electric delivery robot.

Coco Delivers Cookies

Today, Coco wasn’t navigating bustling sidewalks for its usual restaurant deliveries.

Instead, I observed it providing a unique service to forum participants — delivering cookies. During a panel discussion break, I watched as Coco, with its soft whirring and intelligent navigation, expertly maneuvered around attendees, its advanced sensor suite ensuring a safe and predictable path.

Upon reaching its recipient, the robot emitted a cheerful chime, signaling its arrival. The participant then easily accessed their ordered items from Coco’s secure storage, showcasing the seamless and user-friendly interaction that Coco Robotics designed. Guests would get a cookie for their patience. I got cookies. Thrice.

This demonstration at the Safety Forum was more than just a convenient way to get snacks. It’s a subtle yet powerful illustration of the principles of safety and efficiency that underpin Coco’s design and operation.

According to Rash, the delivery robot’s autonomous navigation is always monitored by remote human operators. There have been reported instances when humans deliberately blocked its path. Nevertheless, the way Coco operated in the really tight space of the Javits Center basement highlighted its versatility and navigational accuracy within complex environments.

Autonomy is not for everyone

Reminding readers (without incriminating myself, or my country) that I come from a third-world nation wanting to be first-world, I have little faith in autonomous navigation. Independent delivery robots and self-driving cars will never succeed in my part of the world. Meeting Coco, as it offered refreshments as discussions of road safety heated up, was something quite unexpected but incredibly welcome.

It offered a firsthand look at how innovative robotics can integrate into everyday scenarios, providing convenience while adhering to strict safety protocols. The sight of Coco delivering snacks became a genuine talking point, sparking conversations about the potential of autonomous delivery vehicles and their evolving role in shaping future urban landscapes.

A quick summary of the urban logistics session: NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez was a special guest, providing invaluable insights into the city’s approach to these challenges. The panel was expertly moderated by Matthew Daus, Chair of the Transportation Practice Group at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf.

Other key contributors included Jonathan Miller, VP, Enterprise Growth, Nexar Inc., who highlighted how Nexar offers smart dash cameras that can be used in multiple applications, along with a robust data platform. This kind of data is crucial for understanding real-world road conditions and improving safety. Jon Baldwin, EVP, Government Solutions, Verra Mobility, also presented, focusing on how Verra Mobility provides automated enforcement solutions, which are vital for ensuring compliance with traffic laws and deterring unsafe driving behaviors.