Waymo is asking DoorDash drivers to shut the doors of its self-driving cars

It nonetheless looks like a technological marvel: Waymo’s autonomous vehicles at the moment are transporting passengers throughout six cities. Alas, this driverless future comes with its personal set of issues. These automobiles could be rendered inert if a passenger by chance leaves the door open.

In keeping with a Reddit post, one DoorDash driver found this problem when an odd request appeared of their queue. As an alternative of constructing a supply, the motive force was provided $6.25 to drive lower than one mile to a Waymo automobile and shut its door. After “verified completion,” they might get an additional $5.

“You truly ‘door’ dashed,” one commenter famous.

It appears too ironic to be actual. Waymo automobiles characterize technological breakthroughs that after appeared unfathomable. The Alphabet-owned firm simply raised $16 billion to take its driverless vehicles worldwide!

However Waymo and DoorDash confirmed to TechCrunch that this Reddit put up is authentic. That is, in truth, an actual drawback.

“Waymo is at present working a pilot program in Atlanta to reinforce its AV fleet effectivity. Within the uncommon occasion a automobile door is left ajar, stopping the automobile from departing, close by Dashers are notified, permitting Waymo to get its automobiles again on the highway rapidly,” Waymo and DoorDash mentioned in a joint response. (The door-closing partnership, which started earlier this year, is only one aspect of Waymo and DoorDash’s broader relationship. In October, the businesses launched an autonomous supply service in Phoenix, the place Waymo automobiles ship meals and groceries to DoorDash clients.)

If a Waymo door is left open, it’s value it to the corporate to pay somebody to shut it — the automobile can not full any extra rides if it’s left motionless. To not point out, an unmoving automobile might block the stream of visitors.

This isn’t the primary time Waymo has enlisted assist with its door troubles. In Los Angeles, Waymo works with Honk, an app that’s like Uber for towing companies. In keeping with reviews, Honk customers in L.A. have been provided up to $24 to shut a Waymo door — greater than double what Atlanta DoorDash drivers obtain.

The corporate famous that Waymo’s future automobiles can have automated door closures. However for now, gig employees are Waymo’s greatest wager.