Waymo is asking DoorDash drivers to shut the doors of its self-driving cars

Waymo's self-driving cars, hailed as a marvel of modern technology, are currently operating in six cities, offering passengers a glimpse into a driverless future. However, this innovation has introduced unexpected challenges. A recent Reddit post highlighted a curious situation where a DoorDash driver encountered an unusual task: instead of making a typical delivery, they were asked to drive a short distance to close the door of a Waymo vehicle for a payment of $6.25, with an additional $5 for confirming the task. This quirky request has sparked conversations online, with one commenter humorously remarking that the driver had effectively 'door dashed.' This incident underscores a genuine operational hurdle for Waymo's autonomous vehicles. The company, which recently secured $16 billion in funding to expand its driverless services globally, has confirmed the authenticity of this Reddit post. In a joint statement, representatives from Waymo and DoorDash explained that they are currently running a pilot program in Atlanta aimed at improving the efficiency of the autonomous fleet. When a vehicle's door is accidentally left ajar, nearby DoorDash drivers are alerted to assist, allowing Waymo to minimize downtime and keep its cars in service. This initiative is part of a larger collaboration between Waymo and DoorDash, which recently launched an autonomous delivery service in Phoenix. With the current operational setup, if a Waymo car is left immobile due to an open door, it can obstruct traffic and hinder further rides. Therefore, paying gig workers to resolve this issue proves beneficial. Waymo has previously sought assistance for similar challenges. In Los Angeles, the company partnered with Honk, a towing service app, where users have reportedly been offered up to $24 for closing a Waymo door, significantly higher than the compensation offered in Atlanta. While Waymo plans to incorporate automated door closures in future models, for now, the company relies on the assistance of gig economy workers to navigate these unexpected hurdles.