Waymo is paying DoorDash drivers to close doors on its driverless robotaxis when passengers leave them open. The gig workers accept tasks through the DoorDash app and are paid per job. The program helps Waymo keep its vehicles operating and highlights operational challenges in running commercial autonomous taxi services in cities.
Key Highlights
- Waymo is paying DoorDash drivers to close robotaxi doors left open by passengers.
- Gig workers accept tasks through DoorDash app and receive payment per completed assignment.
- Open doors prevent robotaxis from operating, requiring manual closure before returning to service.
- Program supports Waymo’s expanding commercial robotaxi operations across multiple U.S. cities currently.
Waymo is paying gig workers from DoorDash to close the doors of its driverless robotaxis after passengers exit, according to company documents and reports. The move is based on a practical concern with the autonomous ride services, allowing vehicles to stand idle in case doors are left open.
Waymo’s robotaxi fleet operates without a human driver, using sensors and software to navigate roads and carry passengers. But in case a door has not been closed correctly, then the vehicle cannot get back into service or proceed to its next destination, which renders it temporarily unavailable. This is because, by deploying the nearby gig workers to nearby doors, Waymo will be able to restore the vehicles to operation much faster without needing to send its own employees.
The program will enable DoorDash drivers to accept robotaxi door-closing services via the worker app of the delivery platform and accept the task on the condition of payment. These assignments will be in addition to other local gigs that are already present to workers in the app.
The setup expands the existing system of gig network provided by DoorDash, which is generally applied in food deliveries and other local services. With such a workforce, Waymo will be able to address everyday operational problems without notifying more people to work.
The Alphabet-owned Waymo has been increasing its commercial robotaxi operations in different cities in the U.S. Its cars are independent as they utilise cameras, radar, and laser-based sensors.
The initiative emphasises that independent vehicle services are yet to be able to complete most daily chores without human assistance. Waymo has not even announced the number of gig workers or the duration of the program.
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