In the rapidly evolving world of autonomous technology, Serve Robotics Chief Executive Ali Kashani is making a bold claim: sidewalk delivery robots represent a more lucrative opportunity than the much-hyped robotaxi sector. Drawing from his company’s recent milestones, Kashani argues that the economics of short-distance deliveries—think food and small parcels—outstrip the complexities of passenger transport. This perspective comes amid Serve’s expansion, including a fresh partnership with DoorDash that could accelerate robot deployments across U.S. cities.

Kashani’s optimism is rooted in practical advantages. Delivery robots operate on sidewalks at low speeds, sidestepping the regulatory hurdles that plague robotaxis, such as high-stakes safety certifications for highways. Moreover, the business model scales efficiently: one robot can handle multiple low-value trips per day, generating steady revenue without the need for human drivers or massive capital outlays for vehicle fleets.

The Economic Edge Over Robotaxis

Comparisons to robotaxis highlight stark differences. While companies like Waymo and Cruise pour billions into developing self-driving cars for urban mobility, Kashani points out that delivery bots face fewer variables—no unpredictable passengers, no traffic jams, just predictable routes from restaurants to doorsteps. According to a recent article in Business Insider, Kashani envisions a network where Serve’s technology integrates seamlessly with platforms like Uber Eats and now DoorDash, potentially capturing a slice of the $150 billion global delivery market.

This isn’t mere speculation. Serve has already completed over 100,000 deliveries in cities like Los Angeles and Dallas, with plans to deploy 2,000 robots by year’s end. Finance Yahoo reports that such partnerships could transform last-mile logistics, reducing costs for restaurants by up to 70% compared to human couriers.

Partnerships Driving Growth

The DoorDash deal, announced on October 9, 2025, marks a pivotal step. It allows Serve’s bots to handle orders in high-density areas, building on existing ties with Uber. As detailed in a TipRanks announcement, this multi-year agreement underscores investor confidence, with Serve’s stock surging 20% on the news. Kashani emphasizes openness: “We want as many delivery services and restaurants as possible to use Serve’s technology,” he told Business Insider, signaling a platform-agnostic approach that could democratize autonomous delivery.

Yet, challenges loom. Critics, including those in a CNN Business piece on food delivery robots, question whether these machines—often equipped with blinking eyes and human-like names—are truly efficient or just novelties. Urban obstacles like pedestrians and weather add operational risks, and scaling to nationwide coverage demands significant infrastructure investment.

Broader Industry Implications

Looking ahead, Serve’s trajectory could reshape urban commerce. PYMNTS.com notes that autonomous bots address last-mile inefficiencies, potentially handling everything from groceries to pharmaceuticals. In contrast, robotaxi projections from Stratview Research suggest a market growing at 91.6% CAGR through 2030, but with higher entry barriers due to safety and legal scrutiny.

For industry insiders, Kashani’s stance invites scrutiny of where autonomous tech yields the quickest returns. While robotaxis chase transformative mobility, delivery robots offer incremental, profitable gains today. Serve’s milestone of deploying its 1,000th robot, as per GlobeNewswire, positions it as a frontrunner in this niche. If Kashani is right, the real revolution might not be on the roads, but on the sidewalks, quietly ferrying your next meal.