DoorDash, in collaboration with Coco Robotics, has announced the launch of its robot delivery services in two major cities: Los Angeles, California, and Chicago, Illinois. This exciting joint project seeks to revolutionize food delivery by minimizing the need for human drivers in gas-powered cars. The rollout will feature over 600 participating merchants which will be made available through the DoorDash app. Customers win with tons of great food ordering choices!
The delivery robot’s goal might be improving food delivery logistics efficiency and reducing delivery carbon emissions, but that doesn’t let them off the hook. Here’s one way DoorDash is using the power of autonomous robots. Their goal is to create a more sustainable delivery model that furthers their pledge to zero-emission delivery.
Details of the Robot Delivery Service
The new service will initially focus on “eligible customers,” so not all DoorDash users will get their orders delivered through these robots. This very selective rollout is representative of the company’s approach thus far to integrating new technology into its existing delivery operation. The new sidewalk delivery robots will move DoorDash one step closer to the low-cost delivery solution they’re looking for. They provide scalability across the entire T4T delivery ecosystem.
Through this initiative, DoorDash aims to focus on a “multi-modal” delivery platform that combines human Dashers, drones, and autonomous robots. This multi-pronged approach will enable the company to stay ahead of changing delivery expectations while improving customer trust and loyalty.
“Not every delivery needs a 2-ton car just to deliver two chicken sandwiches.” – Harrison Shih, DoorDash Labs’ senior director
Previous Success and Future Goals
DoorDash’s service, called DoorBot, is a collaboration with fleet operator Coco Robotics, and was officially piloted in Helsinki, Finland. Jointly, they served more than 100,000 meals and deliveries! Its successful implementation will be a model for the forthcoming launches in Los Angeles and Chicago. The company has expressed confidence that having gone through this process in Finland will make the transition to the US market much easier and smoother.
On top of that, the company is going deep into robot deliveries! This decision follows similar steps by their competitors such as Uber Eats, who launched sidewalk delivery robots in Virginia earlier this year. Everyone’s excited about autonomous delivery systems. DoorDash is continuing to position itself as the frontrunner of this booming and shifting food delivery industry.
Impact on the Delivery Industry
Moving any deliveries into robots’ mechanical claws is a major change in what consumers can expect when they order food. Among DOT’s new services, this one carries the most potential to slash carbon emissions. It’s improving on-time deliveries and raising the bar across the industry.
DoorDash is always one step ahead. It is strongly committed to continuing to expand its service offerings, but always with a laser focus on being sustainable and efficient. Our new and expanded partnership with Coco Robotics is revolutionary. It gets us one step closer to a future where technology plays a powerful role in improving our everyday logistics.
