DoorDash unleashes fleet of delivery bots, called Dots, onto streets of Phoenix

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Introducing Dot: DoorDash’s Autonomous Delivery Bot

Residents in the Phoenix metro area may soon see a new face delivering their meals – Dot, the autonomous delivery bot introduced by DoorDash. This friendly-looking red robot is designed to navigate bike lanes, roads, and sidewalks, making it the first of its kind built specifically for local commerce.

Dot is positioned as a more efficient and cost-effective solution for delivering smaller-sized goods, such as toiletries, that do not require a traditional vehicle. Standing at about five feet tall, Dot can carry up to 30 pounds of merchandise and move at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, ensuring speedy deliveries.

Stanley Tang, co-founder and head of DoorDash Labs, the company’s robotic solutions arm, highlighted the importance of Dot in optimizing local business deliveries. “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,” Tang stated. “The breakthrough wasn’t just making it autonomous, but in making it reliable and efficient to serve the needs of local businesses and consumers.”

DoorDash’s AI-powered “Autonomous Delivery Platform” is responsible for determining which orders are best suited for Dot delivery based on various factors, including delivery location. This platform orchestrates real-time decisions to optimize the delivery network.

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, positioning the Phoenix suburb at the forefront of local delivery innovation. “Seeing these autonomous delivery robots on streets throughout Mesa demonstrates how these advanced technologies can meet daily needs while strengthening the local businesses at the heart of our community,” Freeman stated.

Author: Megan Cerullo

Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending, and personal finance topics. She is a regular guest on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.