Ambulance Collides with Food Delivery Robot in Hollywood
A Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance transporting a patient collided with a Coco food delivery robot at an intersection in Hollywood. No injuries were reported, though the patient was transferred to a second ambulance. The incident reflects broader community concerns about autonomous delivery robots operating in city streets.
What happened
An ambulance transporting a patient collided with a Coco food delivery robot at the intersection of Fountain and Western avenues in Hollywood on Friday, January 17, 2026, at approximately 10:15 a.m.
According to Coco Robotics Vice President Carl Hansen, the robot was operating normally and crossing at a marked crosswalk with a green signal, came to a full stop before entering the intersection, assessed the traffic signal, and checked surrounding vehicle activity before proceeding.
Reported impact
The patient in the ambulance, whose condition was not considered critical, was transferred to a second ambulance and taken to a hospital.
No injuries were reported from the accident.
Index analysis
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Los Angeles over autonomous delivery robots. Residents have raised concerns that the robots block sidewalks, get stuck, and pose safety hazards to pedestrians, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Governance controls
Coco Robotics stated it is cooperating with authorities and conducting a full internal review of the collision.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.