DoorDash lets customers use photos, prompts to order food and book reservations in latest AI push

DoorDash is stepping up its game by integrating artificial intelligence into its platform, allowing users to place food orders and make reservations using photos and simple prompts. The company unveiled its new chatbot, Ask DoorDash, which will initially launch in select markets for grocery shopping and food delivery services. In the coming weeks, DoorDash plans to expand its offerings to include reservations and extend its reach to additional cities across the U.S. The competitive landscape among gig economy firms is heating up as they race to embed AI technologies into their applications. Major players like DoorDash, Uber, and Instacart are all introducing innovative services to keep pace in a rapidly evolving market that is increasingly becoming a testing ground for AI functionalities. Earlier this year, DoorDash implemented AI-driven tools for merchants, and the company is also exploring the potential of autonomous technologies such as delivery robots. Meanwhile, Uber has introduced its own AI-powered cart assistant that utilizes images and prompts to help users create grocery lists. Last year, Instacart also rolled out AI tools aimed at supporting grocers. The stakes are particularly high for DoorDash as the company is undergoing significant investment initiatives, aimed at creating a unified technology platform following a series of major acquisitions. These include the $1.2 billion acquisition of the restaurant booking service SevenRooms and the nearly $4 billion purchase of Deliveroo. During a recent earnings call, Finance Chief Ravi Inukonda reported to investors that DoorDash is making strides in its technology overhaul, with plans to execute much of the investment in the current year. However, it has been a challenging year for DoorDash on Wall Street, with its stock plunging 33%, while the Nasdaq index has seen an approximate 8% increase. This downturn began last November when the company announced plans to invest 'several hundred million dollars' into new products and technology by 2026, which triggered a significant drop in stock value. In a statement at that time, DoorDash acknowledged the difficulties of fostering growth without substantial investment, likening the process to nurturing a baby into adulthood—something that cannot happen overnight. As the company navigates these challenges, the focus remains on innovation and adapting to the evolving demands of its customer base.