Waymo is asking DoorDash drivers to close the doorways of its self-driving vehicles

It nonetheless seems 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 autos could be rendered inert if a passenger unintentionally leaves the door open.

In response to a Reddit put up, one DoorDash driver found this challenge when an odd request appeared of their queue. As a substitute of constructing a supply, the driving 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 really ‘door’ dashed,” one commenter famous.

It appears too ironic to be actual. Waymo autos 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 professional. That is, in actual fact, an actual downside.

“Waymo is at the moment working a pilot program in Atlanta to boost its AV fleet effectivity. Within the uncommon occasion a automobile door is left ajar, stopping the automotive from departing, close by Dashers are notified, permitting Waymo to get its autos again on the street shortly,” Waymo and DoorDash stated in a joint response. (The door-closing partnership, which started earlier this yr, 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 autos ship meals and groceries to DoorDash clients.)

If a Waymo door is left open, it’s price it to the corporate to pay somebody to shut it — the automotive can not full any extra rides if it’s left motionless. To not point out, an unmoving automotive might block the movement of site 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 providers. In response to experiences, Honk customers in L.A. have been provided as much as $24 to shut a Waymo door — greater than double what Atlanta DoorDash drivers obtain.

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