AI in the Chi: Serve Robotics launches autonomous sidewalk delivery in 14 Chicago neighborhoods

Serve Robotics has launched its autonomous sidewalk delivery robots in Chicago through its partnership with Uber Eats, marking the company’s first expansion into the Midwest. The rollout spans 14 neighborhoods and brings contact-free delivery from over 100 restaurants to hundreds of thousands of Chicago households, representing a significant milestone in Serve’s goal to deploy 2,000 AI-powered delivery robots across the US by the end of 2025.

What you should know: Chicago becomes Serve Robotics’ fifth major market, following successful deployments in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta.

• The service launches across 14 Chicago neighborhoods including Austin, Belmont Cragin, Dunning, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Little Italy, Logan Square, Near North Side, Near West Side, Uptown, West Garfield Park, and West Town.
• Over 100 restaurants are now available for robot delivery, serving hundreds of thousands of households in the metro area.
• The launch brings Serve closer to its ambitious target of deploying 2,000 delivery robots nationwide by year-end.

Why this matters: Chicago’s extensive pedestrian infrastructure and vibrant food culture make it an ideal testing ground for scaling autonomous delivery operations in dense urban environments.

• The Midwest expansion demonstrates growing acceptance of sidewalk robotics beyond early-adopter coastal markets.
• Success in Chicago could accelerate deployment across similar mid-American cities with established pedestrian networks.

What they’re saying: Company leaders emphasize Chicago’s unique appeal for robotic delivery services.

• “Chicago is a city known for its food and big personality, and we’re thrilled to add our robots into the mix,” said Dr. Ali Kashani, CEO and co-founder of Serve Robotics. “Whether you’re craving a Chicago-style dog, deep-dish pizza, or a late-night snack, Serve robots make delivery more reliable, sustainable, and a little more fun.”
• “Our ongoing partnership with Serve Robotics reflects our commitment to redefining the customer delivery experience,” noted Megan Jensen, head of autonomous delivery operations at Uber Eats. “By bringing autonomous delivery with Uber Eats to more neighborhoods, we’re making it easier than ever for customers to enjoy their favorites, whenever and wherever they want them.”

How it works: Serve’s fleet of sidewalk robots provides contact-free delivery directly to customers’ locations.

• The robots navigate Chicago’s sidewalk infrastructure to deliver food from local restaurants.
• Serve worked closely with local partners and community stakeholders to ensure seamless integration into Chicago’s neighborhoods.
• The service operates through the existing Uber Eats platform, maintaining familiar ordering experiences for customers.