A new partnership between autonomous driving technology company Waymo and food delivery giant DoorDash will see robotaxis delivering orders to customers in Phoenix, Arizona. The collaboration, announced on October 16, 2025, will initially focus on delivering groceries and convenience items from DoorDash’s DashMart stores. This move marks a significant step in the integration of autonomous vehicles into everyday logistics and on-demand delivery services. The service will be available to DoorDash customers within Waymo’s 315-square-mile service area in the Phoenix metro area.
The partnership allows DoorDash users to opt into receiving their orders via a fully autonomous Waymo vehicle during the checkout process. When the robotaxi arrives, customers receive a notification and can then use their DoorDash app to unlock the vehicle’s trunk and retrieve their items. This initiative is part of DoorDash’s broader strategy to create a multi-modal autonomous delivery platform, which also includes sidewalk robots and drones. For Waymo, the collaboration represents an expansion of its autonomous vehicle applications beyond ride-hailing, leveraging its technology for local goods delivery. The Phoenix area, already a proving ground for Waymo’s robotaxi service, serves as the initial market for this new delivery venture.
Operational Framework and Customer Experience
The process for customers to receive a delivery from a Waymo robotaxi is designed to be seamless and integrated into the existing DoorDash application. The option for an autonomous vehicle delivery will appear at checkout for participating merchants. By selecting this option, the customer agrees to have their order transported by one of Waymo’s driverless cars. This opt-in system ensures that users are aware and comfortable with the novel delivery method. The initial phase of the partnership will involve deliveries from DashMart, which is DoorDash’s own chain of convenience and grocery stores. There are plans to expand the service to include other local Phoenix merchants and a wider variety of products over time.
Upon the Waymo vehicle’s arrival at the delivery address, the customer is alerted through the DoorDash app. The app then provides the functionality to unlock the trunk of the car, where the order is stored. This contactless system allows for a secure handoff of goods without direct human interaction. The focus on a smooth user experience is a critical component of the partnership’s success, as both companies aim to demonstrate the convenience and reliability of autonomous delivery. Nicole Gavel, Waymo’s Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships, stated that the partnership leverages Waymo’s “proven delivery experience to provide customers with a seamless, contact-free way to get items they need.”
Strategic Implications for DoorDash
This partnership with Waymo is a key element of DoorDash’s long-term vision for an automated and multi-modal delivery ecosystem. David Richter, DoorDash’s Vice President of Business and Corporate Development, referred to this as a “vision for a multi-modal autonomous future.” The company has been actively exploring various forms of automation to meet growing demand and enhance efficiency. In addition to the collaboration with Waymo, DoorDash has been testing sidewalk robots and drones for smaller, short-distance deliveries. The company also recently unveiled its own delivery robot, named Dot, which is designed to use bike lanes.
The integration of Waymo’s robotaxis addresses a specific need within DoorDash’s logistics network. The autonomous cars are well-suited for delivering larger orders of groceries and retail products that may be too bulky for sidewalk bots or drones. This allows DoorDash to deploy a range of automated solutions tailored to the specific requirements of each order. The company has indicated that automation will be necessary to keep up with the increasing volume of deliveries. However, DoorDash has also asserted that human couriers, or “Dashers,” will continue to play a vital role, particularly for more complex and long-distance orders. The company’s strategy is to use automation for shorter, less lucrative deliveries, thereby freeing up human drivers for more rewarding assignments.
Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning
The partnership between DoorDash and Waymo can also be viewed as a strategic move in the competitive landscape of food and goods delivery. Rival company Uber Eats initiated a similar partnership with Waymo in Phoenix in the previous year, with a specific focus on restaurant deliveries. By launching its own Waymo collaboration, DoorDash is directly challenging Uber’s advantage in the autonomous delivery space. Furthermore, the partnership allows DoorDash to offer benefits that extend beyond delivery, encroaching on Uber’s core ride-hailing business.
As part of the new collaboration, DoorDash is offering a special promotion to its DashPass members in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. These members can receive a discount on a Waymo ride each month, providing them with a direct incentive to experience Waymo’s autonomous vehicle technology firsthand. This cross-promotion not only encourages the adoption of autonomous services but also strengthens the value proposition of the DashPass membership program. DoorDash has also established a partnership with Lyft to offer discounted rides to its DashPass subscribers, further blurring the lines between delivery and transportation services.
Waymo’s Expansion into Autonomous Delivery
For Waymo, this partnership with DoorDash represents a significant step in diversifying the applications of its autonomous driving technology. While the company is best known for its ride-hailing service, it has also been developing its capabilities in the logistics and delivery sector. The collaboration with a major platform like DoorDash provides Waymo with a large-scale opportunity to apply its technology to local goods delivery. This allows the company to gather valuable data and refine its systems in a real-world operational environment. The initial focus on the Phoenix area is a logical choice, as Waymo has an established presence and extensive operational experience in the region.
Waymo’s technology has undergone extensive testing, with the company reporting over 100 million autonomous miles driven on public roads and over 10 million trips served. This wealth of experience provides a strong foundation for the expansion into delivery services. The partnership with DoorDash allows Waymo to showcase the safety, reliability, and efficiency of its “Waymo Driver” autonomous system in a new context. By providing a dependable and contact-free delivery option, Waymo aims to integrate the benefits of its technology more deeply into the daily routines of consumers. This move also aligns with the company’s broader mission to improve road safety and provide sustainable transportation solutions.
The Future of Autonomous Deliveries in Phoenix
The Phoenix metropolitan area has become a prominent hub for the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology. The region’s favorable weather conditions and supportive regulatory environment have attracted companies like Waymo to establish and expand their operations there. The launch of the DoorDash-Waymo partnership further solidifies Phoenix’s role as a proving ground for the future of robotics and autonomous services. The collaboration is initially confined to the Phoenix area, with both companies using the market to fine-tune the service before considering potential expansion to other cities.
The introduction of autonomous delivery services has generated a range of reactions from the public and from those working in the delivery industry. While some express excitement about the technological advancements and the convenience they offer, others have raised concerns about the impact on human jobs. One DoorDash driver, when interviewed about the new partnership, expressed a sense of inevitability about the rise of automation but also questioned whether a driverless car could provide the same level of service as a human courier, such as navigating complex apartment buildings. DoorDash has addressed these concerns by stating that the autonomous delivery options are intended to supplement, rather than replace, human drivers, particularly for smaller orders that are often less desirable. The long-term impact of these services on the labor market and the broader economy will continue to be a subject of observation and debate as the technology becomes more widespread.