DoorDash to use Serve Robotics’ sidewalk robots for deliveries in Los Angeles

DoorDash is set to transform the delivery landscape in Los Angeles by integrating Serve Robotics' sidewalk delivery bots into its service. Announced on Thursday, this multi-year collaboration aims to deploy autonomous robots for food deliveries across the United States. This announcement follows the recent introduction of Dot, DoorDash’s own autonomous delivery bot, which is currently being tested in the Phoenix area. Unlike Serve’s sidewalk bots that primarily operate on pedestrian pathways, Dot is designed to navigate roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks at speeds reaching 20 miles per hour. The partnership with Serve Robotics is part of DoorDash's broader strategy to create a versatile platform for multimodal deliveries. Ashu Rege, Vice President of Autonomy at DoorDash Labs, emphasizes that this initiative aligns with the company’s vision of enhancing delivery methods for its expanding customer base. Notably, DoorDash is entering a competitive arena where companies like Uber have also formed partnerships with autonomous vehicle firms to support their delivery and ride-hailing services. Serve's robots will work with both Uber and DoorDash concurrently, but DoorDash is taking a unique approach by developing its own autonomous delivery solutions. DoorDash aims to manufacture Dot on a larger scale, although specific production details remain undisclosed. The company recorded its first profitable year in 2024 and saw significant growth in delivery volumes in the first half of 2025. Rege argues that expanding delivery capabilities is crucial for meeting the demands of a growing customer base. According to Rege, Dot addresses a significant gap in the delivery process. While sidewalk robots serve urban areas effectively, Dot is tailored for dense suburban deliveries within a three to five-mile radius, bridging the gap between sidewalk robots and robot taxis. He highlights that traditional delivery methods often leave the last leg of the journey unaddressed, stating, "A burrito is not going to walk itself to your door." While there are tasks that human workers currently perform effortlessly, DoorDash plans to reserve its human resources for more intricate delivery scenarios, such as restaurant or grocery orders, allowing its autonomous technology to handle simpler delivery tasks.