DoorDash unveiled its autonomous delivery robot “Dot” in Riverside Friday morning, marking the food delivery platform’s latest push into automated last-mile delivery while strengthening its relationship with local businesses through a Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce membership.
The electric, self-driving robot made its local debut at Gram’s BBQ on Main Street, where owner Benita Bratton loaded peach cobbler into the robot and sent it toward City Hall, where city officials welcomed the dessert delivery.
“Today is more than just a ribbon cutting for us. Today is a real glimpse into the future of local delivery,” said Henry Greenidge, DoorDash’s senior policy advisor for autonomy and robotics. “We really see Riverside as the anchor of what we want to do in the Inland Empire.”
DoorDash currently partners with nearly 700 Riverside businesses, Greenidge said. The autonomous delivery program aims to reduce vehicle traffic and emissions…