Waymo is hiring gig workers to close car doors, revealing how autonomous tech quietly relies on human labor

Core Insights - Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is utilizing DoorDash drivers to assist with closing vehicle doors after passengers exit, highlighting the reliance on human intervention in the operation of self-driving cars [1] Group 1: Company Operations - Waymo has initiated a pilot program in Atlanta that involves hiring DoorDash drivers for the task of closing car doors, which is a basic function that the autonomous vehicles currently cannot perform independently [1] - The compensation for DoorDash drivers includes a guaranteed payment of $6.25, with an additional $5 provided upon verification of task completion, totaling $11.25 for the service [1] Group 2: Industry Implications - The situation underscores the challenges faced by companies in the autonomous vehicle sector, where despite advancements in technology, human assistance is still necessary for certain operational tasks [1] - Waymo has indicated that automated door closures are expected to be integrated into future vehicle models, suggesting ongoing development in enhancing the autonomy of their self-driving cars [1]