DoorDash has introduced a purpose-built autonomous aircraft via its DoorDash Air service, with pilot drone deliveries set to begin in Northern California, US.
The company said Chipotle Mexican Grill, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, and Momo N Curry are among the first restaurant partners to join DoorDash Air.
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According to the company, the aircraft’s size and design have been developed to suit the communities in which it will operate.
DoorDash said its noise level while cruising at delivery altitude is comparable to that of a passing car.
The company added that safety features include a winch intended to enable smoother collections and drop-offs, alongside additional fail-safe systems designed to bring the aircraft safely to the ground in rare circumstances.
DoorDash Air operates on the same autonomous delivery platform (ADP) that coordinates Dashers, Dot, and other autonomous delivery partners across the company’s network.
It added that its app has been designed to allow consumers to track the progress of their delivery.
DoorDash Air head Harrison Shih said: “We didn’t start with a drone and ask what would fit.
“We started with what people order and how local businesses actually operate, then built the entire system from there.
“Any local business should be able to reach consumers by air. We built the whole system so that they can deliver by air without being disruptive to how they run their business.”
