DoorDash has launched a dedicated pilot program in Salt Lake City to teach its autonomous delivery robot, Dot, how to deliver through different weather conditions, according to a November 11 statement.
The program focuses on testing the robot's ability to handle rain and snow to prepare for potential expansion into more cities across the country.
Dot is a fully electric, street-friendly robot designed to move goods rather than people. The device is approximately one-tenth the size of a car and is manufactured in the United States.
Ashu Rege, VP of Autonomy and Head of DoorDash Labs, stated that piloting Dot in rain and snow in Salt Lake City is intended to build the safety case and operational knowledge required to expand the technology responsibly. Rege noted the goal is to increase the number of days per year the service can operate when people need it most.
DoorDash Labs developed the robot to provide safe, reliable, and zero-emission deliveries. The company expressed interest in working with the Salt Lake City community, city leaders, and bike advocates to ensure the technology can serve all cities as an additive partner.
