DoorDash Unveils Drone Delivery System
DoorDash has unveiled its drone delivery system, dubbed DoorDash Air, which it plans to begin pilot deliveries with Chipotle and Popeyes in Northern California. The aircraft, designed for efficient food delivery, features six propellers and a winch and is estimated to reach doorsteps within under five minutes.
The announcement comes as a shift in the drone delivery landscape, specifically referencing Manna's recent grounding of its service in Ireland despite delivering over 300,000 orders from Dublin and Cork. Unlike Manna, which paused operations due to the lack of a national policy, DoorDash has received Part 135 certification, enabling them to operate within visual line of sight.
The DoorDash aircraft is optimized for light and small restaurant orders, making up approximately 80% of total orders. Early tests have shown promising results, with average delivery times well below five minutes. Harrison Shih, leader of DoorDash Air, emphasizes the company's approach to designing the service around local businesses' operational needs.
While DoorDash expands its drone delivery network in the US, Manna is focused on building a factory in Tulsa for its growing workforce after facing similar regulatory challenges in Europe. The competition and collaboration between these companies highlight the evolving drones in delivery industry, with both European and American markets showing significant potential.
DoorDash's expansion into drone deliveries follows their acquisition of Deliveroo and Wolt, covering over 40 countries. However, manufacturing remains in Ireland, while the actual flying is conducted elsewhere. This trend towards drone-based logistics is also evident in Uber's partnership with Manna for drone deliveries on European platforms.