Serve Robotics stock surges on DoorDash partnership for last-mile meal delivery

Serve Robotics stock surged in early trading after the sidewalk delivery robot company announced a multi-year strategic partnership with DoorDash to deploy autonomous delivery vehicles across the United States, beginning with Los Angeles. This expansion marks a significant step in the growing competition among food delivery platforms to integrate robotics technology for last-mile delivery automation.

What you should know: The partnership will leverage Serve Robotics’ existing autonomous delivery infrastructure to expand DoorDash’s robotic delivery capabilities nationwide.

• Serve Robotics already operates restaurant delivery services in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, and Atlanta through its partnership with Uber Eats.
• DoorDash currently uses Coco Robotics for food deliveries in Los Angeles and Chicago, indicating the company’s commitment to diversifying its robotic delivery partnerships.

The competitive landscape: Major food delivery platforms are rapidly expanding their autonomous delivery capabilities through strategic robotics partnerships.

• Last week, DoorDash debuted its own delivery robot called “Dot,” designed specifically for suburban environments and capable of operating on both roads and sidewalks.
• Dot will initially be trialed in Tempe and Mesa, Arizona, as the company tests its proprietary delivery technology alongside third-party partnerships.

Why this matters: The partnership positions both companies to capitalize on the growing demand for contactless delivery while reducing operational costs associated with human drivers, particularly as labor shortages continue to challenge the gig economy sector.