Autonomous Delivery

DoorDash has unveiled “Dot,” an autonomous delivery robot designed to revolutionize last-mile logistics. Dot travels up to 20 mph carrying 30-pound payloads. Currently being tested in Phoenix, Arizona, Dot uses eight cameras and LiDAR to navigate complex environments. DoorDash is also introducing a “smart scale” to improve order accuracy. This move signifies DoorDash’s commitment to automation and enhancing customer experience in the competitive delivery market.

A video shows an SF Express self-driving delivery vehicle driving through peanuts spread on a road for drying in China. The vehicle, while issuing a polite automated message, continued its route despite the obstruction and the woman’s frustration. The incident sparked online debate about the limitations of current autonomous vehicle programming in handling unforeseen real-world scenarios. It highlights the need for AI to balance strict adherence to rules with contextual awareness and the complexity of enabling AV’s to differentiate between obstacles and unusual roadside activities.