Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, while at the forefront of self-driving technology, are encountering a rather grounded logistical challenge: open doors. In a fascinating intersection of cutting-edge AI and the gig economy, Waymo is piloting a program in Atlanta that leverages DoorDash couriers to manually close doors left ajar by departing passengers. This initiative, confirmed by Waymo, aims to ensure their autonomous taxis can quickly resume operations, highlighting a critical reliance on human intervention for even seemingly minor tasks.
The partnership emerged after a Reddit post surfaced, detailing a DoorDash driver being offered $11.25 for the specific task of closing a Waymo vehicle’s door. Both Waymo and DoorDash have acknowledged the pilot, framing it as an innovative and flexible earning opportunity for delivery professionals. They also indicated that future Waymo iterations will incorporate automated door-closing mechanisms, though a timeline for this technological advancement remains undisclosed.
This reliance on human assistance for such a basic function underscores the complex realities of deploying advanced autonomous systems. Despite Waymo’s substantial valuation – pegged at $126 billion in a recent funding round – and its strategic importance within Alphabet’s “Other Bets” segment, which targets transformative solutions in transportation and health tech, practical limitations persist. Alphabet’s latest annual filing revealed that the “Other Bets” division incurred an operating loss of $7.5 billion last year, with Waymo alone contributing a $2.1 billion charge related to stock-based compensation.
Waymo’s need for human intervention isn’t limited to DoorDash. The company is also engaging users of Honk, an independent roadside assistance provider, for similar door-closing duties. Reports indicate that Honk users, compensated for vehicle maintenance tasks, have been offered sums as high as $24 in Los Angeles for this specific service.
These operational nuances come as Waymo actively expands its footprint. The company recently began deploying its next-generation Ojai robotaxis, signaling a concerted effort to solidify its leadership in the U.S. autonomous vehicle market. Waymo’s fully autonomous ride-hailing service is currently available in six major U.S. cities, with ambitious plans for further expansion throughout the year. The venture’s capacity to integrate human-powered solutions, even for simple physical tasks, reveals the intricate journey from artificial intelligence to widespread, seamless autonomous operation.
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