In the fast-evolving world of autonomous vehicles, DoorDash Inc. Chief Executive Tony Xu has thrown cold water on the notion that robotaxis are poised to disrupt food delivery anytime soon. Speaking recently, Xu highlighted a critical distinction between ride-hailing and delivery services: the latter demands an “extra step” that current self-driving technology struggles to handle efficiently. This involves not just navigating to a destination but also managing the handover of perishable goods, often in unpredictable urban environments where human couriers excel at improvising.

Xu’s comments come amid a surge in robotaxi deployments by companies like Waymo and Tesla, which have begun offering driverless rides in select cities. Yet, for DoorDash, which relies on a network of human dashers to ferry meals from restaurants to doorsteps, the integration of such vehicles remains elusive. The CEO pointed out that while robotaxis can transport passengers point-to-point, food delivery requires seamless coordination with merchants and customers, including potential issues like incorrect orders or last-minute changes—tasks that autonomous systems aren’t yet equipped to manage without human intervention.

The Extra Step in Delivery Dynamics

This “extra step” Xu refers to encompasses everything from picking up orders at busy restaurant curbsides to ensuring food arrives hot and intact, often navigating apartment complexes or gated communities. According to a report in Business Insider, Xu emphasized that these complexities make robotaxis ill-suited for the nuanced demands of on-demand delivery, even as rivals like Uber Eats experiment with self-driving tech for simpler trips.

Industry insiders note that DoorDash’s stance aligns with broader challenges in scaling autonomy for logistics. For instance, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk has touted ambitious robotaxi visions, including fleets that could theoretically handle deliveries, real-world tests reveal limitations in handling variables like weather or pedestrian interactions—factors critical for time-sensitive food transport.

DoorDash’s Own Robotics Push

Despite Xu’s skepticism toward robotaxis, DoorDash isn’t shying away from automation. The company launched DoorDash Labs in 2018, an internal arm dedicated to robotics and automation, as detailed in its own corporate announcement. This initiative has led to partnerships, such as a 2025 collaboration with Coco Robotics to deploy sidewalk delivery robots in Los Angeles and Chicago, according to coverage in the Los Angeles Times.

These robots, resembling wheeled coolers, handle short-distance deliveries more effectively than full-sized vehicles, sidestepping the regulatory and technical hurdles of road-based robotaxis. A Fast Company analysis describes them as a pragmatic bridge, offering cost savings without the risks associated with highway-speed autonomy.

Implications for Competitors and Labor

Xu’s remarks also signal relief for DoorDash’s human workforce, amid fears that automation could displace gig economy jobs. In contrast, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has praised Waymo’s productivity, noting in a Business Insider earnings discussion that its robotaxis complete more daily trips than most human drivers in certain markets.

Yet, for food delivery, the human element remains indispensable. A 2025 DoorDash survey, reported in Restaurant Business, found consumers trust AI for recommendations but prefer humans for preparation and delivery, underscoring resistance to full robotic takeover.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

As 2025 progresses, DoorDash’s strategy appears focused on hybrid models—blending human dashers with targeted robotics—rather than all-in bets on robotaxis. This cautious approach contrasts with bolder moves by Tesla, whose robotaxi plans assume rapid scaling, as explored in a Business Insider feature on Elon Musk’s vision.

Industry observers suggest that true disruption in delivery may hinge on advancements in AI for that elusive “extra step,” potentially reshaping economics for platforms like DoorDash. For now, Xu’s realism serves as a reminder that while self-driving tech accelerates in ride-hailing, food delivery’s intricacies demand a more measured path forward, preserving opportunities for innovation without overpromising on timelines.