In a fascinating and somewhat ironic twist in the unfolding story of automation, Waymo, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has turned to human assistance — specifically, to DoorDash drivers — to address a surprisingly mundane but consequential problem: car doors left ajar. Despite the incredible sophistication and self-sufficiency of modern self-driving systems, even high-tech vehicles can be stalled by something as simple as a passenger who forgets to close the door. In these moments, the seamless flow of automation literally hinges on human intervention.
To keep operations running smoothly and ensure that its autonomous fleet remains efficient, Waymo has established an unlikely yet purposeful partnership with DoorDash, a company known for connecting restaurants to customers through delivery. The collaboration allows selected DoorDash drivers to perform a small but essential function: closing vehicle doors on Waymo’s stalled self-driving cars. It may seem trivial on the surface, but this minor act plays a vital role in maintaining uptime for expensive, continuously learning machines that must navigate real urban environments.
This new practice highlights an intriguing intersection between cutting-edge robotics and everyday human labor. It subtly underscores how automation, for all its brilliance, still depends on human intuition and physical presence to bridge unforeseen gaps. Much like an orchestra requiring a conductor, the harmony between technology and humanity ensures progress remains fluid even when hiccups occur.
In a broader sense, this partnership offers a meaningful commentary on the state of artificial intelligence and automation today. It illustrates that while AI can navigate roads, process massive amounts of data, and respond dynamically to traffic, it remains tethered to human support when spontaneity and imperfection enter the equation. DoorDash drivers, often emblematic of the human gig economy, now play a tiny but telling role in enabling the advancement of autonomous mobility.
Thus, Waymo’s collaboration serves as both a technical solution and a philosophical reminder. In our relentless pursuit of automation, there is still no true substitute for human adaptability, awareness, and cooperation. The world may be moving toward machines that think and drive independently, but even the smartest cars occasionally need a helping hand to keep rolling forward.
Sourse: https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/12/waymo-is-asking-doordash-drivers-to-shut-the-doors-of-its-self-driving-cars/
