DoorDash unveils drone delivery system and AI text-ordering

DoorDash has unveiled a suite of new technologies aimed at automating food delivery and simplifying the ordering process. Central to this expansion is DoorDash Air, an end-to-end drone delivery system. Following FAA Part 135 certification, the company plans to launch pilot programs in Northern California with restaurant partners including Chipotle and Popeyes. The system utilizes a custom six-propeller aircraft designed to handle approximately 80% of typical restaurant orders, which the company classifies as light and small. The drones use a winch system to deliver packages without landing.

To coordinate these deliveries, DoorDash Labs developed the Autonomous Delivery Platform (ADP), which uses intelligent routing to account for weather, flight autonomy, and ground traffic. This infrastructure-first approach prioritizes loading systems and merchant handoffs to ensure seamless integration with existing restaurant operations.

In addition to drone technology, DoorDash is introducing AI-driven consumer features. A new text-based ordering tool allows U.S. iOS users to place orders via Apple’s Messages app. This AI agent can interpret natural language requests, such as ordering a user’s regular meal, suggest items based on order history, and handle checkout using stored payment methods. The company also introduced DashOS, a unified management system designed to help restaurants integrate delivery, reservations, and loyalty programs into a single platform, and Dasher Returns, a service allowing customers to have purchases picked up and returned to stores for a flat fee.