doordash unveils dot, its autonomous robot built to deliver your food

DoorDash Introduces Dot: An Autonomous Delivery Robot

DoorDash recently presented Dot, a newly developed, in-house built robot designed for autonomous navigation on roadways, bike paths, and sidewalks. This robot is capable of delivering food and smaller packages at speeds reaching 20 miles per hour.

Design and Initial Deployment

The design of Dot prioritizes approachability, featuring a bright red color scheme, prominent LED eyes, and a swinging mouth that reveals the storage compartment. Testing with select partners is already underway in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with plans for broader availability to the region’s 1.6 million inhabitants by the close of 2025.

Competing in the Autonomous Vehicle Landscape

It may appear unusual for a food delivery service such as DoorDash to directly challenge established technology giants like Google and Tesla in the realm of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology.

A Unique Approach to Delivery

While robotaxi services are becoming increasingly common in cities like San Francisco and Austin, DoorDash contends that a similar evolution is imminent within the food delivery sector. The company believes Dot’s specific size and design are crucial differentiators.

Challenges and Potential Risks

The success of this compact, and perhaps somewhat unsettling, robot carries significant weight. Numerous startups in the AV space have failed, with some incurring penalties due to incidents involving their machines. Robotaxis have become emblematic of Silicon Valley’s automation efforts, and are often met with public disapproval. Vandalism of Waymo vehicles highlights the potential for similar issues with Dot.

The Vision Behind Dot

Stanley Tang, DoorDash co-founder, stated during a presentation at the company’s San Francisco headquarters that autonomous delivery could represent a substantial market opportunity in both suburban and urban environments.

Navigating the "Last Ten Feet"

Tang emphasized the importance of successfully navigating the final stages of delivery – “the first and last ten feet” – encompassing both pickup and drop-off. While sidewalk robots from companies like Serve Robotics address challenges in confined spaces, they lack Dot’s ability to operate on roads and achieve higher speeds.

Purpose-Built for Efficiency

“A full-sized car isn’t always necessary for delivering items like toothpaste or diapers,” Tang explained. “Dot is specifically engineered for the millions of deliveries we handle daily. Its dimensions allow for easy navigation through doorways and driveways, its speed preserves food quality, and its intelligence optimizes delivery routes.”

Technical Specifications and Features

Dot is equipped with four wheels and measures less than five feet in height and three feet in width. Weighing 350 pounds, it’s approximately one-tenth the size of a typical car.

Cargo Capacity and Versatility

Pressing a button on Dot’s “mouth” reveals sufficient cargo space to accommodate six pizza boxes or up to 30 pounds of food. Customizable inserts, such as cupholders and coolers, can be added to meet specific merchant requirements.

Communication and Power

An LED strip displays text, and integrated speakers emit a robotic voice. A microphone is also included, potentially enabling AI-powered interactions with customers in the future. Dot operates on interchangeable batteries, allowing for separate storage and charging.

Sensor Suite and Navigation

For navigation, Dot utilizes eight external cameras, four radar sensors, and three lidar sensors to detect obstacles. DoorDash states that the camera data is processed by a real-time AI model combining deep learning and search-based algorithms to determine the optimal delivery path.

Development and Future Outlook

DoorDash has dedicated the past seven years to developing Dot, beginning with the acquisition of AV startup Scotty Labs in 2019. The company also brought on the founders of AV mapping startup Lvl 5 and, in 2021, hired Ashu Rege, a former executive from Zoox, to lead its autonomy division.

Regulatory Reception and Human Workforce

According to Rege, initial discussions with lawmakers regarding Dot have been positive, with officials suggesting that small vehicle delivery could help alleviate traffic congestion. DoorDash anticipates that human delivery personnel will continue to handle the majority of orders, with automation allowing them to concentrate on more complex deliveries requiring human judgment.

Safety Considerations and Contingency Plans

Safety is a primary concern. Dot is programmed to yield to pedestrians and cyclists, while its size ensures visibility to drivers. In the event of an issue, Dot is designed to stop and pull over, rather than being remotely controlled. Field operators will be dispatched for more serious incidents.

Infrastructure and Support

DoorDash has established a support infrastructure in Phoenix, including warehouses for robot storage, charging stations, and a team of field operators for maintenance and assistance. The company has not disclosed the costs associated with this infrastructure.

Addressing Potential Misuse

Recognizing the potential for vandalism, DoorDash has installed a camera inside Dot’s cargo area to deter unauthorized access. While Dot is relatively lightweight and could be tipped over, field operators are equipped to restore it to an upright position.

A Significant Undertaking for DoorDash

Despite its playful appearance, Dot represents a substantial investment and a strategic move for DoorDash. The company aims to surpass competitors like Uber and Instacart in the autonomous delivery market. Dot has the potential to redefine DoorDash’s position in the delivery landscape, but also introduces a new set of challenges.