DoorDash Expands into Autonomous Delivery with Robot Launch

The next time you order from DoorDash, your delivery driver might just be a robot. DoorDash (DASH) is venturing further into the realm of autonomous delivery with the launch of “Dot,” a self-driving robot designed to navigate the complexities of urban and suburban landscapes.

This move signifies DoorDash’s commitment to automating its delivery process, following earlier explorations into drone delivery programs and partnerships with companies like Coco Robotics for sidewalk-based robot couriers. According to DoorDash co-founder Stanley Tang, who heads the automation and robotics division, the sheer scale and intricate nature of the delivery business demand autonomous solutions. “The scale and complexity of the business demands something like autonomy, and there isn’t anything out there that fits our use case,” Tang told CNBC, highlighting the need for a tailored solution to meet DoorDash’s unique needs.

Dot is engineered for speed and efficiency, boasting the capability to travel up to 20 miles per hour while carrying payloads of up to 30 pounds – equivalent to approximately six large pizza boxes. This capacity makes it a viable option for a wide range of orders, catering to both individual meals and larger family-sized deliveries.

The autonomous delivery sector is rapidly evolving, with competitors like Uber also exploring alternative delivery methods. Uber recently partnered with Flytrex to trial drone-based food delivery and has previously utilized Waymo’s self-driving vehicles for Uber Eats orders. DoorDash’s development of Dot positions the company to remain competitive in this increasingly automated landscape.

Currently undergoing testing in Phoenix, Arizona, DoorDash plans to expand Dot’s deployment to other metropolitan areas in the future. The expansion will be facilitated through DoorDash’s new autonomous delivery platform, which integrates both robot and drone delivery options for merchants. The initial rollout targets businesses within the Phoenix area.

The technical specifications of Dot are impressive. Equipped with eight cameras and three LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, the robot can effectively perceive and navigate its surroundings, even in challenging environments such as crowded parking lots, obstructed bike lanes, and congested city streets. An internal camera is also integrated to monitor the quality and integrity of the delivered food, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Beyond Dot itself, DoorDash is also implementing other technological enhancements. The company has introduced a “smart scale” feature that weighs orders, aiming to proactively detect potential missing items. According to DoorDash’s internal data, this system has demonstrated a significant reduction in missing item complaints, with a decrease of up to 30% observed during testing. This feature underscores DoorDash’s commitment to improving order accuracy and overall customer experience.

The introduction of Dot, along with the smart scale technology, reflects DoorDash’s broader strategy of leveraging automation to streamline its operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate the customer experience. By investing in these advanced technologies, DoorDash aims to solidify its position as a leader in the rapidly evolving on-demand delivery market.