DoorDash and Coco Expand Global Partnership with U.S. Sidewalk Robot Delivery Launch

The new sidewalk robot delivery service is now operational in major metropolitan areas, specifically Los Angeles and Chicago. Eligible DoorDash customers in these cities can utilize Coco's fleet of emissions-free robots, which will be assigned to their orders from nearly 600 participating merchants via the DoorDash app.

During the initial pilot phase of their collaboration, Coco successfully completed over 100,000 deliveries for DoorDash, showcasing the effectiveness and efficiency of this innovative delivery method. The move is a clear indication of DoorDash's strategy to build a robust, scalable platform that meets the evolving needs of customers while prioritizing sustainability.

Harrison Shih, Senior Director of DoorDash Labs, emphasized the importance of adapting delivery methods to reduce unnecessary carbon footprints. "Not every delivery needs a 2-ton car just to deliver two chicken sandwiches," he stated. Shih expressed excitement about the future of multi-modal delivery, noting that the partnership with Coco represents a valuable expansion of DoorDash’s delivery capabilities.

Zach Rash, co-founder and CEO of Coco Robotics, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the synergies achieved through this collaboration. "This collaboration marks an important step forward in reshaping urban delivery in the U.S.," Rash stated, underlining the dual benefits for both merchants and customers in terms of reliability and sustainability.

The impact of this partnership is already being felt on the ground. Eric Dela Cruz, owner of Main Chick Hot Chicken in Los Angeles, shared his positive experience utilizing Coco's robotic delivery system. "Partnering with Coco and DoorDash has allowed us to consistently deliver fresh food to our customers on time," Dela Cruz explained. He noted that the establishment of a "taxi line" of robots has significantly enhanced operational efficiency, even during peak hours, ultimately benefiting customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Coco Robotics has been operational in Los Angeles since 2020 and has recently expanded to Chicago, Miami, and Helsinki, Finland, with a fleet of over 1,000 emissions-free delivery robots. This partnership aligns with DoorDash's vision to integrate various delivery methods, including Dashers, drones, and now robots, into a cohesive logistics network.

DoorDash's investment in autonomous delivery is further supported by its collaboration with Wing, which has successfully introduced drone deliveries in the U.S. after initial tests in Australia. This multi-modal approach aims to deliver the most effective fulfillment method for each order, driving increased demand for local merchants and creating more earning opportunities for Dashers.

As DoorDash and Coco forge ahead with their partnership, the implications for urban delivery are profound. The integration of robotic delivery systems not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable delivery options. This move marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of last-mile logistics, setting a precedent for innovation in the food delivery sector.

For more updates and insights into DoorDash Labs and its advancements in delivery technology, interested parties are encouraged to stay connected through the DoorDash blog.