A New Delivery Robot in Los Angeles
There’s a new arrival in the world of delivery robots.
The Koko delivery robot, recognized in various areas of Los Angeles, has undergone a significant redesign. According to the developers, this fresh look aims to enhance the robot’s capabilities.
Coco Robotics, a startup originating from UCLA, has taken the lead in developing these buzzing bots.
The company is now looking to utilize cutting-edge technology from AI powerhouse Nvidia for its newest model, Coco 2. This advanced mobile bot, conceived by co-founder Zach Rash, is intended to operate under challenging conditions like floods and snow.
“We aim to improve reliability in extreme situations, especially when it’s unsafe or uncomfortable for a human driver,” Rash explained. He added, “Now is the right moment, as everyone seems eager to order.”
Many residents of Los Angeles are already familiar with the large robots that zip around, characterized by their light patterns and somewhat unpredictable driving as they deliver goods on sidewalks.
However, Coco 2 is set to feature a more advanced design with upgraded cameras and laser navigation technology, similar to that of self-driving vehicles. The robot will still sport the recognizable pink and white colors and display the brand name on its side.
“The design choices, from color to branding, were made to evoke warmth and friendlessness,” Rash noted about the new look.
Coco currently operates around 300 delivery robots across neighborhoods such as West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Westwood, Mid-City, Hollywood, and Echo Park. There’s also a push to expand into nearby areas like Burbank and beyond.
“Many markets we’ve engaged with have expressed difficulty in hiring enough staff for deliveries while keeping pace with customer demand,” Rash remarked. “There’s still a lot of ground to cover in Los Angeles.”
Earlier this year, one of the robots found itself stranded during heavy rains, facing minor flooding on the sidewalk. Images shared on social media showed the bot surrounded by water.
To address such challenges, Coco 2 includes storage compartments designed to handle flooding while ensuring that food and other items remain dry.
By the summer, Coco Robotics plans to ramp up production to 1,000 units a month and aims for expansion not just across the U.S., but also into Asia and Europe.
Recently, the company entered into a partnership with DashMart, a service by DoorDash that delivers groceries, electronics, and other essentials directly to consumers via these high-speed robots.
While some critics argue that delivery bots may replace human drivers, supporters point out that they still necessitate human oversight and help create new job opportunities.
