Uber has expanded its collaboration with autonomous vehicle company Waymo in Phoenix, Arizona. The latest development involves Uber Eats deliveries in the Arizona capital facilitated by Waymo vehicles.
Announced on April 3, customers in Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler can now have their Uber Eats orders delivered by autonomous vehicles. Participating merchants include local favourites such as Princess Pita, Filiberto’s, and BoSa Donuts.
Users in Phoenix will encounter a prompt in the Uber Eats app indicating the possibility of autonomous vehicle delivery when placing orders. Customers can choose to opt-out if they prefer traditional courier delivery.
Upon arrival of the autonomous vehicle, customers will receive an in-app notification instructing them to bring their phones to unlock the vehicle and collect their order.
This expansion builds upon Uber and Waymo’s existing partnership in Phoenix, which initially offered fully autonomous rides to customers. Waymo’s operations in the region cover the largest fully autonomous service area globally, spanning 180 square miles.
Additionally, Uber and Waymo collaborate on self-driving trucks through Uber’s Freight business.
In related developments, Zoox, an autonomous car company owned by Amazon, recently expanded the operating area for its robotaxis, allowing for faster speeds, operation in light rain, and nighttime driving. Initially launched in Foster City, California, and Las Vegas in 2023, Zoox has expanded its testing in preparation for a commercial launch.