JERSEY CITY, N.J. — Jersey City has officially welcomed a new era of food and grocery delivery with the launch of “Coco,” a fleet of autonomous sidewalk delivery robots now roaming the Jersey City Heights neighborhood. This pilot program, which marks the company’s first expansion into New Jersey, introduces a cutting-edge approach to last-mile delivery while blending technology, sustainability, and urban convenience.
Each Coco robot weighs approximately 100 pounds and is designed with a bright pink, cooler-like exterior that makes it instantly recognizable. Equipped with 90 liters of insulated storage, a single unit can transport up to four grocery bags or six extra-large pizzas, keeping items secure and temperature-controlled throughout the delivery. The robots are entirely electric, producing zero emissions and underscoring Jersey City’s commitment to environmentally friendly innovation.
Coco navigates sidewalks at speeds up to 5 mph, relying on AI-assisted navigation, LiDAR sensors, and onboard cameras to perceive obstacles in all directions. While the robots are autonomous, they are closely monitored by remote human “pilots” who can intervene in complicated or crowded situations, ensuring both safety and efficiency. To address privacy concerns, Coco’s cameras automatically blur faces and license plates, and the company states that no personal information is stored during deliveries.
The delivery process is streamlined for convenience. Coco integrates with major platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, allowing customers to place orders directly through their preferred apps. Once a restaurant loads the order into Coco’s secure cargo bay, the robot sets off to its destination. Customers unlock their delivery using a unique code or app authorization at the closest curbside drop-off point, as Coco does not enter buildings. Currently, the robots operate within roughly a one-mile radius of partnered restaurants, focusing on efficiency while navigating local sidewalks.
While the Heights pilot is still in its early stages and restaurant partners are gradually being mapped, Jersey City already has a precedent for autonomous delivery in its downtown area. Avride, an existing service provider, collaborates with over 100 local restaurants and integrates with Uber Eats and Grubhub, providing robot deliveries to locations including Shake Shack, Wonder, Rumi Turkish Grill, Short Grain, and Pizzeria Las Americas. Customers can check the restaurant listings in the apps for the “autonomous vehicle may deliver your order” notification to confirm availability.
City officials have embraced the Coco rollout as a way to reduce traffic congestion, lower delivery costs, and advance Jersey City as a hub for urban robotics innovation. However, some residents have voiced concerns regarding sidewalk accessibility and safety, citing reports from other cities where robots have been obstructed or even struck by vehicles. Program administrators emphasize that Coco’s mapping and piloting process is designed to minimize interference with pedestrian traffic and maximize safe operation.
The Coco pilot also signals broader trends in automated delivery services across urban centers. By combining robotics, AI, and mobile integration, Jersey City is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation logistics, creating potential new partnerships for local restaurants while giving residents faster, more efficient, and environmentally conscious options for both meals and groceries.
As the Heights pilot progresses, the city anticipates an official announcement of Coco’s participating restaurant partners in the neighborhood. For those eager to explore autonomous deliveries today, the downtown area remains fully operational with Avride’s fleet, providing a glimpse into what’s coming as Jersey City expands its robotic delivery ecosystem. For more insights into technological developments and urban innovation in New Jersey, residents can follow the latest business updates and reports.
With Coco now on the streets, Jersey City is taking a bold step toward the future of city logistics, blending cutting-edge technology with everyday convenience while creating a model that could influence urban delivery across the region.
Existing Downtown Jersey City Robot Partners (via Avride)
While waiting for the Coco partners in the Heights to be confirmed, you can order robot delivery from these downtown spots through Uber Eats:
- Shake Shack
- Wonder
- Jiang Nan
- Rumi Turkish Grill
- Downtown Yogurt Jersey City
- Gulp
- Amiya
- Short Grain
- B’s Bagels
- Pizzeria Las Americas
- Noches de Colombia (sometimes uses the downtown service)
To check for the most current list of participating restaurants for the Coco service once it’s fully operational in the Heights, look for the notice that reads “autonomous vehicles may deliver your order” on the restaurant’s page within the Uber Eats or DoorDash apps.
