A new era in food delivery is unfolding as DoorDash collaborates with Coco Robotics to deploy autonomous robots on the streets of Los Angeles. This innovative partnership allows eligible customers in Los Angeles and Chicago to receive their meals via eco-friendly, compact robots through the DoorDash app. These zero-emission machines are part of a growing trend that includes other companies like Serve Robotics and Starship Technologies, which have been operating similar services in various cities for years. With this alliance, DoorDash aims to redefine urban logistics by integrating advanced AI technology into its vast network.
The collaboration between DoorDash and Coco Robotics represents a significant leap forward in reimagining urban delivery systems. Established in 2020 by two UCLA graduates, Coco Robotics has already amassed over 1,000 delivery robots under its control. Although these devices operate autonomously, they are supervised remotely by human operators. Their success is evident from completing more than 400,000 deliveries while partnering with hundreds of local eateries. According to Coco’s estimations, utilizing robots instead of traditional drivers can reduce restaurant expenses by up to 50%, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to cut costs.
Despite the promising potential, challenges remain. Navigating bustling city sidewalks poses difficulties, especially when sharing space with pedestrians. Instances of vandalism or deliberate obstruction have occurred, adding another layer of complexity to the implementation process. Furthermore, some municipalities, including New York and San Francisco, have intermittently banned such robots due to congestion concerns. Critics argue that these machines could displace human jobs and exacerbate urban traffic issues.
DoorDash Labs, the division responsible for robotics and automation within the company, also announced last year a partnership with Wing, a drone delivery service. Wing drones commenced operations in Christiansburg, Virginia, earlier this year, following successful trials in Australia since 2022. Harrison Shih, senior director at DoorDash Labs, emphasized the importance of adopting multi-modal solutions in the future of delivery services. He pointed out that not all deliveries require heavy vehicles, advocating for sustainable alternatives like sidewalk robots to complement existing networks.
This initiative will connect nearly 600 merchants in Los Angeles through the DoorDash platform. On average, these robots cover a median distance of one mile per delivery, offering convenience and efficiency to both businesses and consumers. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds immense promise for transforming how goods are transported in urban environments across the United States and beyond.