There's A New Food Delivery Robot Coming To Fremont

FREMONT, CA — Meet Dot, DoorDash's autonomous delivery robot that will soon be a common sight in Fremont, according to city officials.

City officials say DoorDash will be rolling out the program in the next few months. It'll start with three robots being closely monitored and trained by human companions, according to Fremont officials, before a second phase that'll bring 30 robots across Downtown Fremont, City Center, Centerville and Irvington.

The public will be able to see the robots in action for the first time during Fremont's restaurant week from March 6 to 15, according to city officials.

"DoorDash Dot is a home-grown product, made in partnership between DoorDash Labs, the company’s robotics and automation arm, and local advanced manufacturer Sonic Manufacturing," city officials said. "Fremont is proud to support local manufacturers while also serving as a testbed for innovation."

Dot will operate on city sidewalks and bike lanes. It is designed to operate at low speeds — 5 miles per hour on sidewalks, 16 miles per hour in bike lanes and 20 miles per hour on neighborhood streets, according to city officials.

The program has already been successfully tested in the Phoenix Metro areas, safely navigating hundreds of thousands of miles of public roads and varied human behavior, according to city officials.

"We understand that introducing autonomous technology raises questions," city officials said. "ur goal is to maintain a positive relationship with community groups and address any concerns proactively, ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists, and Dot can coexist safely and harmoniously."

For more information on the program, click here.