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MOBILITY - ACTION ITEM: (1) Receive a Presentation, Discuss and Make Recommendations for Proposed Regulations and Processes to Facilitate the Operation of Robotic Delivery Devices in Culver City; and (2) Provide Direction to Staff.
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Meeting Date: May 12, 2026
Contact/Dept: Wallis Nash/Public Works
Alicia Ide, Public Works
Phone Number: (310) 253-5633
(310) 253-5618
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [X]
Attachments/Links: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: E-Mail via GovDelivery (05/07/2026): Meetings and Agendas - Mobility Subcommittee, Parking Authority; Notify Me - Construction, Street Maintenance and Closures; Stay Informed - Bicycle & Pedestrian / Culver CityBus / Construction, Street Maintenance and Closures; Culver city Business License List, Economic Development Newsletters
Dept Approval: Yanni Demitri, Director of Public Works, City Engineer (05/06/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Members receive a presentation, discuss, and make recommendations to City Council regarding proposed regulations and processes to facilitate the operation of Robotic Delivery Devices in Culver City, and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
Coco Delivery
On September 28, 2021, Coco Delivery (<https://www.cocodelivery.com/>) presented their business operations to the Mobility Subcommittee, introducing themselves and requesting permission to operate in Culver City at a future time. Coco delivers food and some beverages using small vehicles that are autonomous or remotely controlled. Vehicles travel along the sidewalk generally within a 2-mile radius from a provider to the customer. The company delivers from restaurants, convenience shops, and grocery stores.
In early 2024, staff spoke to Santa Monica staff who expressed that they have no issues of significance regarding Coco’s devices and had approved the ongoing operation of their service throughout Santa Monica with a few geographic restrictions. Staff discussed potential regulations with Coco and they were generally receptive.
Serve Robotics
At the August 20, 2025 meeting of the Subcommittee, Serve Robotics (<https://www.serverobotics.com/>) presented their business operations, introducing themselves and requesting permission to operate in Culver City. (Coco Delivery also attended this meeting.)
Serve Robotics operates fully autonomous sidewalk delivery robots for last-mile connections. Some of Serve's defining characteristics include Level 4 autonomy (self-driving vehicles) with remote supervision, and integration with third party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, which enables them to scale rapidly and ensure higher volume and utilization. The robot vehicles have safety features such as fail-safe mechanical brakes, and a full suite of sensors, including cameras. Serve’s autonomy offers an oversight redundancy that ensures that their self-driving robots can operate safely in a multitude of situations.
Currently Serve is operating in four major metropolitan areas and in multiple cities in the region, including in West Hollywood.
Mobility Subcommittee Recommendations
Both Coco Delivery and Serve Robotics are both requesting to deploy in Culver City, at the earliest opportunity. Although they request citywide access, they plan to focus operations in and around the commercial corridors, such as along Washington, Sepulveda, and Culver, as well as into the adjacent neighborhoods, so long as sidewalk widths and curb ramps are adequately maintained for the devices to operate.
At the August 20, 2025 meeting, the Subcommittee enthusiastically recommended allowing operations of mobility delivery devices in Culver City as a pilot program and moved for the program to be presented to the full City Council.
City Council Recommendation
The introduction of robotic personal delivery devices was presented to the full City Council at the November 10, 2025 meeting. Council expressed both support and concerns about the implementation of these devices in the City. Council Members were concerned about the number of devices in the same area at any given time and the probability of them causing issues for sidewalk users. The Council directed staff to continue with development of regulations for a one-year pilot program and return to the Mobility Subcommittee for review and recommendation.
DISCUSSION
Mobile Delivery Device Service in Culver City
Remotely piloted devices and self-driving robots provide an alternative to automobile-based delivery of food and goods for short distances. These battery-powered devices can reduce automobile traffic congestion, avoid parking challenges associated with pickup and delivery, and reduce air pollution by eliminating greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, robotic deliveries are typically faster, which can boost small businesses by improving customer experience. Each provider will execute agreements with delivery platforms that serve Culver City and individual businesses.
These low-speed devices (generally <5 mph) are largely deployed in the public right of way and require well-maintained roadways, ramps, and sidewalks. The robots are designed to navigate safely in areas with high pedestrian activity, signalized intersections, and curb ramps. Both companies have offered to share mapping with the City.
Permit Process
Other cities that launched robotic device operations, such as Santa Monica and West Hollywood, established special agreements and programs requiring intensive management. Culver City staff is considering combining a city permit with an operating agreement. Then, enforcement would be done by either existing enforcement procedures, imposing contractual penalties, permit revocation, or by the filing of a lawsuit.
Regulation Components
Staff researched other nearby city regulations on robotic delivery. Attached to this report is a list of potential regulations that could be imposed by City Council. Included in the list are:
• City requirements that apply generally to businesses operating in the City;
• Staff suggested regulations specific to robotic devices; and
• Other regulations for Members to consider.
Staff suggests that the Mobility Subcommittee recommend to the City Council approval of high level regulations and leave details for administrative development by staff.
Time Frame
Mobility Subcommittee recommendations would be submitted to City Council as proposed regulations in early summer. Once regulations are adopted, this program could potentially go into effect mid-summer 2026. The program trial would run for one year. After that time, staff will return to Council to report on successes and challenges, and request approval to allow ongoing operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact from consideration of robotic delivery service.
As the planning process proceeds, staff will develop fees to be applied to this regulatory process. Higher fees could lead to difficulty for operators to compete with less sustainable delivery options.
Staff will also consult with the City Attorney’s Office to determine whether advertising on these delivery robots is allowable.
ATTACHMENTS
• 2026-05-12-Mobility-ATT-Robotic Delivery Operation Regulation Options
MOTIONS
That the Mobility Subcommittee recommend to City Council specified rules, procedures, operating requirements and/or processes to facilitate the operation of Robotic Delivery Devices in Culver City.