The City Council approved a one-year pilot program for robotic personal delivery devices at the August 10, 2026 council meeting, following a recommendation from the City Council Mobility Subcommittee.
When Jonas Pierce of Coco Robotics spoke from the podium, he noted that the creators of the company “felt that it doesn’t make sense to use a two-ton car to deliver a one-pound burrito less than a mile.” He spoke about both the economic and sustainability benefits of delivery robots, saying that the robots will help to reduce traffic and save on greenhouse gases.
The pilot program will allow low-speed robotic delivery devices, which typically travel under 5 miles per hour, to operate in Culver City under finalized service agreements, operating regulations, and administrative procedures.
These devices are designed for short local trips and are already in use in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.
Representatives from both Coco and Serve Robotics (two separate companies) noted that their models focus on deliveries under 1.5 miles, support more than 150 jobs in the Los Angeles region.
City Clerk Alicia Ide offered that there would be a user agreement for the companies, and that a strong emphasis would be put on the restrictions of data collection, and who that data could be shared with.
The pilot program will give Culver City an opportunity to evaluate how this technology operates locally while supporting mobility, sustainability, and neighborhood-serving delivery options.
The motion passed with Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish and Council member Yasmine Imani McMorrin all voting yes. both Council member Dan O’Brien, and Council member Albert Vera, Jr. were recused.
Judith Martin-Straw
Additional text, City of Culver City
