DoorDash Launches “Dot” Delivery Robot in Phoenix, Marking a Bold Push Into Autonomous Food Delivery

DoorDash has officially introduced its new delivery robot, Dot, into real-world service in Phoenix, Arizona. The nearly five-foot-tall, red, sensor-packed robot is designed to carry up to 30 pounds of food at speeds of up to 20 mph, traveling on sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads. DoorDash hopes Dot will make local deliveries faster and cheaper while coexisting with human Dashers and other autonomous vehicles.

This rollout comes as other tech giants step back from the delivery robot race. Amazon and FedEx previously abandoned similar programs, while most remaining players—such as Starship Technologies and Serve Robotics—have focused on small-scale or campus-based services. DoorDash is betting that Dot can overcome these industry hurdles with better engineering, longer battery life, and a friendlier public presence.

Dot’s Features and How It Works

DoorDash showcased Dot during an event in San Francisco before launching it in Phoenix. The robot can run for about six hours on a single charge and features swappable batteries to minimize downtime. It is equipped with advanced cameras, radar, and sensors to navigate complex urban environments, including sidewalks, parking lots, apartment complexes, and driveways. The robot also features temperature-controlled compartments and cup holders to keep food and drinks secure and fresh during delivery.

Visually, Dot is designed to be appealing and non-threatening, sporting large animated eyes, a small “nose,” and a compartment that opens to reveal orders. DoorDash’s goal is to make the robot approachable enough for public spaces while sturdy enough to discourage tampering. The company has not shared how many Dots are currently operating, how many deliveries they’ve completed, or which restaurants are participating. However, executives say demand is strong, and more units are being added during this early-access phase.

According to DoorDash Labs head Stanley Tang, the company sees autonomous robots as part of a “hybrid delivery model,” combining human couriers, drones, and ground-based vehicles. This strategy aims to reduce labor costs, improve delivery efficiency, and prepare for a future where autonomous systems play a larger role in local commerce.

Challenges Facing Delivery Robots

Despite the excitement, Dot faces significant real-world challenges. Navigating busy streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks means the robot must detect and react to unpredictable objects such as children, wheelchairs, pets, bicycles, and fast-moving vehicles. Past deployments in other cities have faced incidents where robots blocked pathways or got stuck, raising concerns about safety and accessibility.

Experts, including researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, have noted that sidewalk delivery robots are technically harder to perfect than autonomous cars due to unpredictable pedestrian environments and smaller development budgets. Market analysts also question whether customers will accept robots that can’t climb stairs, open doors, or carefully place fragile groceries.

Still, DoorDash appears committed to refining Dot. The company says it is investing heavily in autonomy technology, hoping to make robot-assisted delivery as reliable as human couriers. If successful, Dot could help reshape the delivery industry by reducing reliance on gig workers and speeding up service in dense urban areas.

DoorDash’s gamble on Dot shows that despite setbacks in the delivery robot market, companies still believe in the potential of autonomous last-mile delivery. Phoenix will be the testing ground for whether this strategy can finally scale beyond small pilots.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is DoorDash’s Dot robot?

Dot is a five-foot-tall autonomous delivery robot that carries food and small groceries for DoorDash. It runs on sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads.

Q2: Where is Dot being tested first?

Dot’s first public rollout is in Phoenix, Arizona. DoorDash plans to expand to other cities if the program succeeds.

Q3: How fast can Dot go?

Dot can travel at speeds of up to 20 mph and operate for about six hours per battery charge.

Q4: Will Dot replace human Dashers?

No. DoorDash says Dot is part of a hybrid model that will combine human Dashers, drones, and robots to improve efficiency.

Q5: What makes Dot different from past delivery robots?

Dot is larger, sturdier, and has advanced sensors to handle complex city environments. It also has a friendly design to encourage public acceptance.