What's happened
Waymo has begun testing autonomous delivery services in Phoenix through a partnership with DoorDash, initially focusing on DashMart orders. The service uses driverless vehicles to deliver groceries and food, with plans to expand to more merchants and regions. The last update was on October 16, 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The expansion of Waymo's autonomous delivery in Phoenix signals a significant shift in local commerce logistics. The partnership with DoorDash leverages Waymo's existing self-driving vehicle fleet, which is used for both passenger rides and delivery. This dual-use approach maximizes fleet utilization and demonstrates the potential for autonomous vehicles to become a staple in everyday delivery services.
The choice to focus initially on DashMart orders allows Waymo to test the technology in a controlled environment, where customer interaction is minimal—customers retrieve their orders from the vehicle trunk via the DoorDash app. This step is crucial in assessing consumer acceptance of autonomous delivery, which remains untested at scale.
The broader implications include increased competition among autonomous vehicle providers and a potential reduction in delivery costs. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and consumer trust remain. The success of this pilot could accelerate autonomous delivery adoption across the US, especially in suburban and urban areas where logistics are complex.
Furthermore, the integration of autonomous vehicles into daily commerce could reshape urban planning and traffic management, as fewer human drivers are needed. The move also underscores the strategic importance for tech giants like Alphabet to embed autonomous tech into mainstream logistics, beyond just passenger transport.
What the papers say
The articles from TechCrunch, Bloomberg, and Business Insider UK collectively highlight the rapid development and deployment of autonomous delivery services by Waymo and DoorDash. TechCrunch emphasizes Waymo's testing and partnership details, noting the use of driverless Jaguar I-Pace vehicles for delivery. Bloomberg reports on the commencement of broader commercial operations in Phoenix, with plans for expansion. Business Insider UK discusses the strategic rationale behind DoorDash's investment in autonomous delivery, including its own robot development and partnerships with Serve Robotics.
While TechCrunch focuses on the technical aspects and initial deployment, Bloomberg underscores the operational scale and future plans. Business Insider UK provides insight into the strategic and competitive landscape, including DoorDash's broader robotics initiatives and the integration of autonomous tech into its platform. The sources collectively portray a landscape where autonomous delivery is transitioning from pilot projects to commercial reality, driven by major tech and logistics companies aiming to reshape last-mile delivery.
How we got here
Waymo, owned by Alphabet, has been developing autonomous vehicle technology for years, initially focusing on robotaxis. It previously tested self-driving trucks and delivery robots, and has partnerships with Uber and Lyft. DoorDash has been investing in autonomous delivery, developing its own robots and partnering with companies like Serve Robotics to expand its logistics capabilities.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Is Autonomous Delivery Changing Food and Package Delivery?
Autonomous delivery robots are transforming how we get food and packages. Companies like DoorDash are rolling out robots that can deliver in cities, raising questions about safety, reliability, and the future of jobs. Curious about when you'll see these robots in your area or how they work? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this exciting shift in delivery technology.
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What is DoorDash's new autonomous delivery pilot?
DoorDash is testing autonomous delivery services in Phoenix, using both Waymo vehicles and its own robots. This innovative move aims to transform how food and packages are delivered, raising questions about the future of logistics and automation. Curious about how this works and what it means for you? Keep reading to find out more about DoorDash's autonomous delivery plans and what they could mean for the future of food delivery.
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How Does Autonomous Delivery Work with Waymo and DoorDash?
Autonomous delivery is transforming how we get groceries and food, especially in cities like Phoenix. Companies like Waymo and DoorDash are leading the way with driverless vehicles that deliver directly to your door. But how exactly does this technology work, and what does it mean for the future of shopping? Below, we answer common questions about autonomous delivery, its benefits, safety concerns, and what’s next for this innovative service.
More on these topics
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DoorDash Inc. is an American on-demand prepared food delivery service founded in 2013 by Stanford students Tony Xu, Stanley Tang, Andy Fang and Evan Moore.
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Waymo LLC is an American autonomous driving technology development company. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, the parent company of Google.
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Phoenix is the capital and most populous city in Arizona, with 1,680,992 people. It is also the fifth most populous city in the United States along with being the largest state capital by population, and the only state capital with a population of more th