Observed Signal · Feb 13, 2026 · Partnership · Source: TechCrunch · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Waymo Enlists DoorDash Drivers to Close Self-Driving Car Doors
Waymo's autonomous vehicles can become immobile if a passenger leaves a door ajar. TechCrunch reports a verified pilot in Atlanta in which Waymo and DoorDash notify nearby DoorDash drivers (Dashers) to close open Waymo doors so vehicles can resume service; one reported task offered $6.25 plus a $5 verification bonus. Waymo has run similar programs in Los Angeles with Honk (offers up to $24) and launched an autonomous delivery service with DoorDash in Phoenix. Waymo said future vehicles will have automated door closures, and the company recently raised $16 billion to expand internationally.
Operational pilot addressing Waymo vehicle door issues via DoorDash/Honk is notable for AV operations and gig logistics but has limited direct impact on the broader AdTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Waymo's autonomous cars are transporting passengers across six cities.
- Waymo and DoorDash confirmed a pilot in Atlanta that notifies nearby DoorDash drivers to close vehicle doors left ajar.
- A reported Atlanta task offered a Dasher $6.25 to drive to a Waymo vehicle plus an additional $5 after "verified completion" to close its door.
- In Los Angeles, Honk users have reportedly been offered up to $24 to close Waymo vehicle doors.
- Waymo raised $16 billion to support international expansion.
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Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Waymo Hires Gig Workers to Close Robotaxi Doors
Waymo is running a pilot in Atlanta that pays gig workers to close robotaxi doors left ajar so the autonomous vehicles can resume service. DoorDash drivers are notified when a nearby Waymo has an open door; a Reddit post showed an $11.25 offer to close a door. Waymo confirmed it also pays users of Honk, a roadside assistance provider, and has offered up to $24 in Los Angeles for the task. The company said future Waymo vehicles will have automated door closures but did not give a timeline. The report highlights Waymo's continued reliance on human intervention for some operations. Waymo is valued at $126 billion from a recent financing round and is part of Alphabet’s Other Bets, which reported an operating loss that included significant Waymo stock‑based compensation.
DoorDash's 'Tasks' App Pays Couriers to Train AI
DoorDash launched a stand-alone 'Tasks' app that pays delivery couriers to complete short assignments—such as filming everyday activities, recording speech, or taking photos of restaurant dishes—to help train AI and robotics systems. Pay for each task is shown upfront and set based on effort and complexity. Submitted audio and video may be used to evaluate DoorDash’s in-house models and partner models across retail, insurance, hospitality and technology. Tasks also appear in the Dasher app and include examples like photographing hotel entrances or helping Waymo by closing self-driving car doors. The program is available in select U.S. markets but excludes California, New York City, Seattle and Colorado, with plans to expand task types and countries over time.
Waymo Launches Next-Gen Robotaxis to Strengthen U.S. Dominance
Waymo has begun deploying its sixth-generation Waymo Driver in Ojai robotaxis, initially offering employee rides in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles with plans to expand to public riders later this year. The new driver uses more cost-effective components, upgraded lidar and radar, a 17-megapixel imager that reduces the number of required cameras, and new in-house algorithms and integrated cleaning systems to improve performance in rain and snow. Waymo installs its autonomous stack into base vehicles supplied by Geely/Zeekr and says it will not share its driving technology, sensor data, or rider information with the automaker. The company operates in six U.S. markets today, plans major U.S. and international expansions in 2026, reported a $16 billion funding round led by Alphabet valuing Waymo at $126 billion, and faces some U.S. political scrutiny over its use of Chinese-made vehicles.
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