BREAKING NEWS: Waymo has just announced a groundbreaking partnership with DoorDash, marking its return to delivery services in Phoenix. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Waymo’s self-driving technology to transform how customers receive food and groceries.
The partnership, confirmed just moments ago, will serve DoorDash customers within a 315-square-mile area of Phoenix, Arizona. Initially, deliveries will be made from DashMart, DoorDash’s convenience and grocery service. This pilot program represents a significant shift for Waymo, which has previously focused on its robotaxi services and halted its self-driving truck initiative earlier this year.
David Richter, Vice President of Business and Corporate Development at DoorDash, stated that this partnership will provide customers with a “new and delightful experience” while advancing their vision for an “autonomous future of local commerce.”
Currently, Waymo does not have any other active delivery-focused operations. This new service will utilize the driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles, which will autonomously navigate to customer locations. However, customers will need to retrieve their ordered items from the trunk of the vehicle using the DoorDash app, adding a unique twist to the delivery process.
This development comes as DoorDash expands its footprint in the autonomous vehicle sector, having already partnered with delivery bot company Serve Robotics in Los Angeles. Notably, while DoorDash has its own autonomous delivery robot called Dot, this partnership with Waymo will not involve that technology.
The implications of this new delivery service are significant. As Phoenix continues to serve as a testing ground, both companies are evaluating whether the convenience of receiving groceries from an autonomous vehicle can compete with the traditional delivery model that includes a human interaction at the door.
Waymo’s return to delivery services signals a renewed focus on diversifying its business model beyond ride-hailing. With the demand for delivery services skyrocketing in recent years, especially during the pandemic, this partnership could reshape the landscape of food and grocery delivery.
As this pilot program rolls out, all eyes will be on customer reactions and the effectiveness of the autonomous delivery process. Will the novelty of a driverless delivery vehicle outweigh the traditional human touch?
Stay tuned for updates as Waymo and DoorDash navigate this uncharted territory, bringing us one step closer to an autonomous delivery future.