Waymo and DoorDash Partner for Delivery Services

Waymo and DoorDash Collaborate on Autonomous Delivery in Phoenix

Phoenix remains a key location for Waymo, serving as a proving ground not only for its technology but also for its evolving business strategies.

Beyond its well-known robotaxi service, Waymo has been exploring the potential of autonomous delivery.

Previous Delivery Initiatives

Prior to 2023, the company conducted pilot programs with UPS and Uber Eats to assess the feasibility of using its technology for logistics.

Furthermore, Waymo Via, the division dedicated to self-driving trucks, was developed with significant investment before being discontinued to prioritize robotaxi operations.

New Partnership with DoorDash

Waymo has now entered into a multi-year partnership with DoorDash to re-enter the delivery market.

Currently, this is the only active delivery-focused initiative for Waymo, encompassing testing, operations, and partnerships.

The collaboration will connect DoorDash customers in a 315-square-mile area of Phoenix with Waymo’s self-driving vehicles.

Phased Rollout

Initially, deliveries will be limited to orders from DashMart, DoorDash’s own convenience and grocery stores.

Over time, the service is expected to expand to include more local merchants and a broader range of products.

DoorDash's Vision

According to David Richter, VP of Business and Corporate Development at DoorDash, this partnership aims to provide customers with a unique experience and contribute to the advancement of autonomous local commerce.

DoorDash's Existing Autonomous Efforts

DoorDash is already involved in autonomous delivery through a partnership with Serve Robotics, utilizing sidewalk delivery bots in Los Angeles.

The company also has an internal team developing its own autonomous delivery robot, Dot, which is currently being tested in the Phoenix area.

How the Waymo-DoorDash Delivery Works

The Waymo deliveries will not involve DoorDash’s Dot robot.

Instead, orders will be placed in the trunk of a driverless Jaguar I-Pace operated by Waymo.

Customers will then retrieve their items from the trunk using the DoorDash app.

The Key Test: Customer Convenience

A crucial aspect of this partnership will be evaluating whether the appeal of autonomous delivery outweighs the convenience of traditional, human-assisted delivery.

The companies will assess if customers are willing to walk to the vehicle to collect their orders.