Curated and analyzed by the JobGoneToAI team. Original reporting by CNBC.
Waymo Engages DoorDash Workers for Robotaxi Door Closures Amid AI Limitations

— CNBC
Key Takeaway
Waymo is utilizing gig workers from DoorDash to close the doors of its robotaxis, highlighting the limitations of current autonomous technology. This pilot program in Atlanta compensates drivers for performing tasks that the vehicles cannot yet handle autonomously.
From the Original Report
LivestreamMenuMake ItselectUSAINTLLivestreamSearch quotes, news & videosLivestreamWatchlistSIGN INCreate free accountMarketsBusinessInvestingTechPoliticsVideoWatchlistInvesting ClubPROLivestreamMenu Waymo's cars are driven without humans. But when a departing passenger leaves a door open, the car won't move until a person closes it. For that task, Waymo is turning to gig workers from companies like DoorDash. The Alphabet-owned self-driving car company confirmed on Thursday that it's running a pilot in Atlanta to compensate delivery drivers for closing Waymo doors that are left ajar. DoorDash drivers are notified when a Waymo in the area has an open door so the vehicles can quickly get back on the road, the company said. That acknowledgement came after a Reddit post showed a DoorDash driver in Atlanta was offered $11.25 to close the door of a nearby Waymo. Waymo and DoorDash said in a joint statement to CNBC that they are always looking for new and flexible ways for DoorDash deliverers to earn money, adding that future Waymo vehicles will have automated door closures. Waymo didn't say when that capability will arrive. Waymo's reliance on people for simple tasks underscores how even the most advanced autonomous technologies still require costly human intervention for some basic operations. Valued at $126 billion in a recent financing round, Waymo is central to Alphabet's Other Bets, which are targeted at "using technology to try to solve big problems that affect a wide variety of industries, including transportation and health technology," according to the company's financial filings. In Alphabet's annual filing last week, the company said the Other Bets segment recorded an operating loss last year of $7.5 billion, which included a $2.1 billion stock-based compensation charge at Waymo. In addition to DoorDash, Waymo is also paying users of Honk, an independent roadside assistance company, to close robotaxi doors. A recent Washington Post report said Honk users, who get paid to provide maintenance on Waymo vehicles, were offered up to $24 in Los Angeles for closing a door. On Thursday, Waymo began deploying its next-generation robotaxi as the company pushes to extend its lead in the U.S. Waymo currently offers its fully autonomous robotaxi service in six U.S. markets, with plans to expand to several more this year. WATCH: Waymo raises $16 billion at $126 billion valuation Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you. Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inbox Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. © 2026 Versant Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. A Versant Media Company. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes.
Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data
This is an excerpt. Read the full article at CNBC.
Original Source
Read original reporting at CNBCJobGoneToAI curates, verifies, and adds original analysis to third-party reporting. We link to the original source so you can verify the facts yourself.
Related Stories
AI Eating Itself: How AI Companies Cut Costs Using Their Own Tools
Meta, Anthropic, and other AI companies are using their own AI tools to automate internal operations and eliminate jobs. The irony: AI builders cutting costs by replacing their own workers.
The Skills Gap Widening: AI Specialists in Demand, Adjacent Roles Disappearing
While tech companies cut 50,000+ jobs, AI specialists remain in desperate demand with a 3.2:1 shortage ratio. But training programs can't keep up, creating a widening skills chasm between AI experts and everyone else.
Q1 2026: 39,000+ Tech Jobs Lost in 3 Months
An unprecedented 39,000 to 51,000 tech jobs were eliminated in Q1 2026. Our data-driven analysis breaks down the geography, companies, and job functions hit hardest by this wave of AI-driven layoffs.