Uber Eats in Phoenix, Arizona is now using driverless Waymo vehicles for food delivery orders.
Last year, Waymo began offering autonomous rides through the Uber app in Phoenix, their largest coverage area.
Now, Waymo and Uber are expanding their partnership to include Uber Eats food delivery using autonomous Waymo vehicles.
When placing an order on the Uber Eats app, you may receive a notification stating that “autonomous vehicles may deliver your order.” If you prefer a human driver, you have the option to opt-out or select a human driver in your drop-off preferences.
If your order is delivered by an autonomous vehicle, you will need to meet the vehicle at the curb to collect your food. Access to the vehicle’s trunk will be through your smartphone, and the selected tip at checkout will not be charged.
The service is currently available with select merchants in Chandler, Tempe, and Mesa, including local favorites like Princess Pita, Filiberto’s, and Bosa Donuts.
Electrek’s Take
The integration of driverless technology in the food delivery industry is impressive, albeit potentially excessive. One-person meal deliveries contribute to high energy consumption, especially with individual cars on the road. However, the use of electric vehicles for this service is a step in the right direction compared to gas-powered vehicles. Ideally, this technology should complement grocery store trips rather than replace them entirely. Additionally, the trust required for accessing the vehicle’s trunk warrants caution in scaling this service beyond single meal deliveries.
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