In Chicago, a robot will now deliver food from White Castle through Uber Eats, following a new partnership with Coco Robotics that marks the restaurant chain’s first use of autonomous delivery. The initiative integrates Coco’s electric, AI-powered delivery robots with Uber Eats and Checkmate’s point-of-sale (POS) system synchronization, aiming to streamline order fulfillment and reduce on-site congestion at White Castle’s participating location.
White Castle, founded in 1921, is testing the technology in a high-traffic setting to evaluate its impact on service efficiency and operational focus. According to the company, the goal is to enable staff to concentrate on food preparation while deliveries are managed externally through automation.
Coco Robotics, which has operated in Chicago since 2024, reports over 500,000 zero-emission deliveries across cities including Los Angeles, Miami, and Helsinki. The robots are designed for urban environments and have been tested under various seasonal and surface conditions.
Checkmate’s technology facilitates real-time syncing between White Castle’s in-store systems, the Uber Eats platform, and Coco’s delivery service. This integration allows for real-time tracking and order flow visibility for restaurant operators. The company stated that its system enables restaurants to manage new delivery formats without added complexity.
Uber Eats customers ordering from the designated White Castle location may be matched with a Coco robot during checkout. Upon arrival, the robot notifies the customer through the app, allowing them to retrieve their order by unlocking the compartment, with no additional tipping or fees required.
This collaboration reflects broader efforts by Uber Eats to incorporate autonomous delivery options into its logistics infrastructure, supported by third-party integrations.
