DoorDash launches autonomous robot delivery pilot in Australia

DoorDash and Serve Robotics have launched Australia’s first regular sidewalk delivery pilot program in Southport, located on the Gold Coast. The project operates within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, serving an area of more than 3,000 residents and approximately 20,000 students.

The pilot utilizes four-wheeled electric robots weighing roughly 100 kilograms, equipped with insulated compartments for food. To ensure safety, the robots move at walking speeds and are monitored remotely, with technical teams on standby. A contact number is displayed on each unit for pedestrians. The operational base is located at Griffith University.

In a separate business update, DoorDash CEO Tony Xu reported that the company has processed only a few hundred orders via third-party AI agents since introducing its Model Context Protocol (MCP) interface on September 30. While the interface allows AI agents to search for, order, and track meals, Xu noted that customers typically prefer ordering directly through the app for routine meals, suggesting AI agents may be more suited for larger, more considered purchases.