Chicago Residents Sue Delivery Robot Firms
Class-action lawsuits claim robots illegally collected biometric data from customers in Chicago.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Robotics
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Should companies be allowed to collect personal data while operating delivery robots on public sidewalks?
Customers in Chicago have filed class-action lawsuits against Coco Robotics and Serve Robotics. The complaints allege that delivery robots scanned users' faces and hands without consent to train artificial intelligence systems.
Why it matters
The lawsuits allege violations of the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act, which mandates written notice and consent for biometric collection. Plaintiffs claim the companies used sensitive data for AI training and third-party sharing.
The robots utilize cameras and LiDAR to map environments during transit. Customers are required to stand close to the units to enter codes for grocery retrieval.
The players
Coco Robotics
This is a delivery robotics company currently facing allegations of violating biometric privacy laws.
Serve Robotics
This company operates automated sidewalk delivery robots and is a defendant in the class-action lawsuits.
Barry Schain
He is a plaintiff who received a delivery from a Serve robot shortly before the lawsuit was filed.
The details
Plaintiffs claim that video and sensor data collected during deliveries are retained to train AI models, with one filing alleging Coco Robotics shared data with OpenAI. The delivery companies deny these allegations, maintaining they do not collect biometric information from the public.
Timeline
Chicago launched its delivery robot pilot program in 2022.
Serve Robotics began operating in Chicago in September 2025.
Barry Schain received a delivery from a Serve robot on October 4, 2026.
Class-action lawsuits were filed in Cook County on October 9, 2026.
The city delivery robot pilot program is scheduled to expire in May 2027.
The Tech Race
These lawsuits highlight the tension between autonomous delivery innovation and the rigorous data privacy standards set by the Illinois Biometric Privacy Act. This conflict forces developers to reconcile the need for high-fidelity sensor data with legal requirements for consumer consent.
Residents should be aware that the automated units operate by mapping surroundings using cameras and LiDAR technology. Customers concerned about their data privacy may choose to avoid using robotic delivery services until the legal disputes are resolved.
The takeaway
Consumers interacting with delivery robots should be mindful of the data-gathering nature of these autonomous machines. Understanding local privacy protections is essential as companies continue to deploy surveillance-capable tech in urban areas.
What happens next
The city delivery robot pilot program is set to expire in May 2027 unless the City Council acts to extend it.
Further reading
For more on the development of automated delivery systems, read the Robotics coverage on our site.
Live Poll
Should companies be allowed to collect personal data while operating delivery robots on public sidewalks?
