DoorDash rolled out Zesty, an AI-powered mobile app designed not for ordering food but for discovering where to eat next, marking a strategic move for the company. By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.Th ...

Group 1: Autonomous Delivery Initiatives - DoorDash has launched Dot, a compact robot for autonomous delivery, capable of navigating at speeds up to 20 mph [1] - Dot can carry up to 30 pounds, equivalent to six pizza boxes, and is equipped with eight cameras and three lidar sensors for complex environments [2] - The company is testing Dot in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona, with plans for future expansion [2] Group 2: Technology and Operational Enhancements - DoorDash introduced an Autonomous Delivery Platform that uses AI to optimize order dispatching between human Dashers and robots [3] - The company emphasizes that human Dashers will still manage most deliveries, with robots supplementing during peak times [4] - A new feature called SmartScale has been launched, reducing missing item complaints by up to 30% during testing [4] Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Strategic Moves - The autonomous delivery sector is characterized by high costs and regulatory challenges, with competitors like Uber opting for partnerships instead of in-house development [5] - DoorDash has acquired Deliveroo, enhancing its international presence and competitive position in the local commerce market [6] - Deliveroo will operate independently while benefiting from DoorDash's resources and scale [6] Group 4: New Features and Customer Engagement - DoorDash has introduced a feature called Going Out, allowing users to make restaurant reservations through its app without cover fees [7] - This service integrates with SevenRooms and rewards users with credits for future orders for each booking made [7]

Core Viewpoint - DoorDash is expanding its services to include restaurant reservations and robot deliveries, aiming to enhance customer experience and meet growing demand while maintaining its competitive edge in the delivery market [4][6][10]. Expansion Plans - DoorDash announced plans to add restaurant reservations through a new "Going Out" tab, initially launching in New York and Miami, with plans to expand to other cities later [8][9]. - The company reported a 20% increase in total orders, reaching 761 million in the second quarter of the year, indicating strong customer demand [4]. Delivery Innovations - DoorDash is introducing autonomous delivery robots named Dot, which can travel at speeds of up to 20 miles per hour and are designed for suburban deliveries [11][12]. - The company has invested seven years in developing Dot, which is capable of carrying up to 30 pounds of cargo [13][14]. Competitive Landscape - The expansion into restaurant reservations and robot deliveries poses a challenge to competitors like OpenTable and Instacart, as DoorDash aims to deepen its relationships with restaurants and attract new customers [6][10]. - Following the announcement of its partnership with Kroger for delivery from 2,700 stores, DoorDash's shares rose by 4%, while Instacart's shares fell by 10% [6]. Future Vision - DoorDash envisions a hybrid delivery model combining human and autonomous methods to enhance service efficiency and accessibility [18].

Core Insights - DoorDash aims to enhance local commerce through innovative solutions that empower merchants, consumers, and Dashers, with a focus on solving real problems [1][2] New Features and Innovations - The introduction of "Going Out" allows users to make reservations, earn in-store rewards, and access exclusive offers, enhancing the dining experience and helping restaurants attract customers [3][4] - The "Dot" autonomous delivery robot is designed for local commerce, capable of traveling at up to 20 mph and engineered for safety, currently being tested in the Phoenix metro area [6][8] - "SmartScale" technology helps restaurants improve order accuracy, reducing missing item claims by up to 30%, with Panera Bread being the first national restaurant to adopt it [9][21] Retail and Grocery Expansion - DoorDash is launching "DashMart Fulfillment Services" to help retailers manage inventory and delivery, with CVS, Party City, and Kroger already participating [11][12] - Starting October 1, nearly 2,700 Kroger stores will be available on DoorDash, making it the largest grocery partner on the platform, offering a wide range of products with delivery in as little as an hour [12] Enhanced User Experience - The app will feature AI-powered recommendations, personalized content, and new tools for Dashers to improve their experience and earnings [14][18] - Partnerships with platforms like Yelp will enhance the discovery of restaurants and streamline the ordering process [14]