Key facts
- DoorDash's drone weighs under 55 pounds, compared to Amazon's drone at around 78 pounds.
- DoorDash claims its drone's sound is comparable to a "passing car while dropping off."
- DoorDash's drone will handle lightweight deliveries between three and five miles.
- Chipotle and Popeyes will be DoorDash's first partners for the drone service.
DoorDash unveiled its new in-house-designed drone delivery service, emphasizing its lighter weight and quieter operation compared to Amazon's Prime Air drones. The company plans to launch the service in Northern California within the next few months.
At a media event, DoorDash showcased its drone, which features six slow-spinning propellers designed with acoustics in mind. Harrison Shih, head of DoorDash Air, stated that the sound is comparable to a "passing car" and that residents won't "really hear it." This pitch comes as Amazon's drones have reportedly drawn complaints for a mosquito-like hum.
DoorDash claims its drone weighs under 55 pounds, significantly lighter than Amazon's approximately 78-pound drone. The company also stated that 80% of typical DoorDash restaurant orders are light and small enough for drone delivery, which will handle deliveries between three and five miles. Chipotle and Popeyes are slated to be the first restaurant partners for the new service.