Your next pizza delivery might arrive on wheels, but without a driver.
DoorDash unveiled Dot on Sept. 30, an autonomous delivery robot designed to operate on sidewalks, bike lanes, roads, and driveways, and is purpose-built for local commerce.
As part of the company’s expansion into autonomous technology , Dot will debut through an early-access program in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. DoorDash said the launch marks the beginning of its autonomous delivery service, with additional markets planned.
What is Dot?
Dot is DoorDash’s first commercial autonomous robot. The all-electric vehicle is approximately one-tenth the size of a car and can travel at speeds of up to 20 mph. It is designed to safely navigate neighborhoods and deliver food orders directly to customers’ doors.
“You don’t always need a full-sized car to deliver a tube of toothpaste or pack of diapers. That’s the insight behind Dot,” said Stanley Tang, Co-Founder and Head of DoorDash Labs…