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

Waymo’s autonomous vehicles, which operate in six cities and are expanding internationally, face a unique operational challenge: if a passenger leaves a door open, the vehicle becomes immobilized and cannot continue rides. To address this, Waymo has partnered with DoorDash in Atlanta to pay nearby DoorDash drivers a small fee ($6.25 plus an additional $5 upon verification) to physically close the doors of these self-driving cars, allowing the vehicles to resume service quickly. This pilot program is part of a broader collaboration between Waymo and DoorDash, which also includes autonomous delivery services launched in Phoenix. The issue highlights a current limitation of Waymo’s technology, as future vehicles are expected to have automated door-closing mechanisms. Until then, gig workers serve as an essential stopgap to maintain fleet efficiency and prevent disruptions, such as traffic blockage caused by stationary cars. This approach is not unique to Atlanta; Waymo has employed similar strategies in Los Angeles, offering even higher payments for door-closing assistance.