Revolutionizing Delivery: Rivian Spinoff Unveils Autonomous Vehicles for DoorDash

Rivian's spinoff company, Also, is teaming up with DoorDash to create autonomous delivery vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the tech industry. With a fresh $200 million investment, Also is poised to disrupt the logistics landscape. Get ready for a future where deliveries are faster, cheaper, and more efficient than ever.

Key Takeaways

• Also, a Rivian spinoff, is developing autonomous delivery vehicles for DoorDash
• The partnership includes a $200 million investment and a seat on Also's board of directors
• Autonomous delivery vehicles could significantly reduce labor costs and increase delivery efficiency

In This Article

• Meet Also, the Rivian Spinoff
• The DoorDash Partnership
• The Autonomy Technology
• The Future of Delivery
• Expert Insights
• Looking Ahead

Meet Also, the Rivian Spinoff

Imagine a world where deliveries are made without human intervention. This is the vision of Also, a micromobility company that originated within Rivian and has now spun out to make this vision a reality. Initially, Also focused on creating electric bikes, but its ambitions extend far beyond that.

• Also started as a skunkworks project within Rivian in 2022
• The company's first product is a high-end e-bike, but it's also exploring small, pedal-assist delivery vehicles

The DoorDash Partnership

In a significant move, DoorDash has partnered with Also to develop autonomous delivery vehicles. This partnership not only brings in a $200 million investment but also places DoorDash on Also's board of directors. The implications of this partnership are vast, potentially changing the face of delivery logistics.

• DoorDash's investment in Also brings the company's total funding to $505 million
• The partnership aims to create autonomous versions of Also's small electric vehicles for delivery purposes

The Autonomy Technology

So, how will these vehicles become autonomous? The details are still emerging, but it's clear that both Rivian and DoorDash have been working on autonomy technology. Rivian plans to use a mix of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radar, and eventually lidar for its vehicles. Meanwhile, DoorDash has its own autonomy department and has developed a robot vehicle called Dot.

• Rivian's autonomy system will utilize a combination of sensors and custom silicon
• DoorDash's Dot vehicle is already delivering in the Metro Phoenix area, using lidar, radar, and camera sensors

The Future of Delivery

The partnership between Also and DoorDash signals a significant shift in the delivery landscape. Autonomous delivery vehicles could drastically reduce labor costs and increase delivery efficiency. As this technology advances, we can expect to see more companies jumping into the autonomous delivery space.

• Autonomous delivery vehicles could revolutionize the logistics industry
• Also and DoorDash are at the forefront of this revolution, but others are likely to follow

Expert Insights

While specifics about the technology and its implementation are still emerging, experts in the field are weighing in on the potential of autonomous delivery vehicles. As Sean O'Kane, Sr. Reporter at TechCrunch, notes, the future of transportation is rapidly evolving.

• Sean O'Kane has spent a decade covering the transportation industry, including the rise of Tesla and other startups
• His insights into the evolving business and technology of transportation provide valuable context for the Also-DoorDash partnership

Looking Ahead

As Also and DoorDash forge ahead with their autonomous delivery vehicle project, the world watches with anticipation. The potential for this technology to disrupt the logistics industry is immense. With investments flowing in and partnerships forming, the future of delivery is looking more autonomous by the day.

• The success of autonomous delivery vehicles depends on overcoming technical and regulatory hurdles
• Companies like Also and DoorDash are leading the charge, but widespread adoption will require broader industry participation

“The tech ecosystem, all in one room”

— TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Final Thoughts

The partnership between Also and DoorDash is a beacon of innovation in the tech industry, promising a future where deliveries are faster, cheaper, and more efficient. As autonomous technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more companies joining the fray, transforming the logistics landscape forever.

Sources & Credits

Originally reported by Unknown — Sean O'Kane