Mobility
DoorDash has earned Part 135 air carrier certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), enabling the company to launch DoorDash Air, its in-house drone delivery program. The certification allows the San Francisco-based food delivery giant to operate as an air carrier, focusing on midrange deliveries that are less attractive to human Dashers.
DoorDash has increasingly invested in automation, including its first autonomous delivery robot, Dot, unveiled last year. The company aims to build much of its delivery automation in-house. “We want drone delivery to work for any merchant, anywhere,” said Harrison Shih, the head of DoorDash Air. “We’re building the full stack to make that possible from the ground infrastructure to the drone itself, and the handoff systems that make it work together seamlessly.”
“We want drone delivery to work for any merchant, anywhere,” said Harrison Shih, the head of DoorDash Air. “We’re building the full stack to make that possible from the ground infrastructure to the drone itself, and the handoff systems that make it work together seamlessly.”
The FAA Part 135 certification involves a rigorous five-stage evaluation process verifying aircraft airworthiness, maintenance programs, and safety procedures. A DoorDash spokesperson stated that the certification is the product of years of engagement with the FAA and authorizes the company to perform commercial operations as a licensed air carrier.
DoorDash plans to use its drone network for midrange deliveries, which are less attractive to Dashers, and aims to make drone delivery accessible to any merchant. The company is building the full stack, including ground infrastructure, the drone itself, and handoff systems, to enable seamless operations.
Source: The Robot Report