DoorDash takes wraps off autonomous platform powered Dot local commerce delivery robot

DoorDash is laying claim to the first commercial autonomous delivery robot that navigates bike lanes, roads, and sidewalks, and is purpose built for local commerce.

Developed in-house by DoorDash Labs, Dot integrates with its existing marketplace infrastructure and new autonomous delivery platform.

At one-tenth the size of a car, Dot can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. It is built for neighbourhood trips and its all electric design helps reduce congestion and emissions.

This is beginning with an early access programme in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona. DoorDash is launching it in the greater Phoenix metro area, marking the beginning of its commercial deployment and paving the way for future expansion into multiple new markets.

“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,” says Stanley Tang, Co-Founder and Head at DoorDash Labs.

“The breakthrough wasn't just making it autonomous, but in making it reliable and efficient to serve the needs of local businesses and consumers. Dot is purpose built for the millions of deliveries we facilitate every day. It is small enough to navigate doorways and driveways, fast enough to maintain food quality, and smart enough to optimise the best routes for delivery.”

“Every design decision, from its compact size to its speed to the sensor suite, came from analysing billions of deliveries on our global platform and understanding what actually moves the needle for merchants and consumers.”

“With more than ten billion deliveries under our belt, we’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and what scales,” says Ashu Rege, VP and Head of Autonomy at DoorDash Labs. “Making autonomous technology work for delivery requires reimagining it from the ground up. We’ve built Dot and our autonomous delivery platform using advanced AI and robotics specifically designed for the complexities of local commerce.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.