DoorDash has introduced a new delivery robot called Dot. The robot is designed to support the company’s growing push into autonomous technology.
Dot can carry up to 30 pounds, which is enough for a family-sized meal or multiple pizza boxes. It operates on sidewalks, bike lanes, and even low-speed roads. The robot slows down near people and speeds up when moving on clear paths.
For restaurants, Dot makes pickups simple. The robot pulls up to entrances, allowing staff to load orders directly. In addition, Dot greets workers with a friendly “Oh, hello!” making the experience more engaging.
A Step Toward Multi-Modal Delivery
DoorDash already works with drone and sidewalk robot partners. Dot adds another option to its “multi-modal” delivery strategy. As a result, the company can match each order to the best delivery method—human driver, robot, or drone.
This approach could lower costs and speed up deliveries. It also gives DoorDash more control over the last mile of logistics.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
However, Dot does face some limits. It cannot handle stairs, and city rules may restrict where it can operate. Safety and traffic concerns also remain.
Even so, DoorDash believes Dot will play a big role in the future of delivery. The company sees automation and human drivers working side by side. For customers, this means more reliable service and potentially faster food arrivals.
The launch of Dot highlights how food delivery is changing. Autonomous technology is
moving from concept to reality. For DoorDash, this robot is not just an experiment. It is part of a larger vision for smarter, more flexible delivery solutions.
