DoorDash
An autonomous DoorDash delivery robot unexpectedly found itself in the middle of an active SWAT operation in Arizona after it drove into a police perimeter while attempting to complete a food delivery.
The incident happened on June 15 in Chandler, where officers were responding to a possible weapons-related incident near Ray Road and Hamilton Street.
As police secured the area, DoorDash’s compact delivery robot, Dot, entered the scene and remained there despite repeated verbal warnings from officers, according to local reports.
DoorDash technician called after robot entered an active police scene
Video obtained by 12 News showed the robot attempting to continue through the restricted area as officers ordered it to turn back. During the operation, police also deployed a flash-bang device at a nearby residence while Dot remained within the perimeter.
Because the robot operates without a driver, officers contacted DoorDash to resolve the situation. The company dispatched a technician, who later arrived and removed the robot from the scene before transporting it away in a box truck.
In a statement provided to The Independent, a DoorDash spokesperson said: “Our robot behaved as designed — stopping and waiting safely while authorities managed the scene — and we’re grateful to the Chandler Police Department for their professionalism. We’re continuing to review the incident and will share more as we learn it.”
Police have not released details about the intended recipient of the delivery or where the order was headed.
DoorDash introduced its Dot delivery robots across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, including Tempe and Mesa, in September before later expanding the service to Fremont, California.
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According to the company, Dot is roughly one-tenth the size of a car and can carry up to 30 pounds of goods while traveling at speeds of up to 20 mph on sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads.
The robot uses sensors and onboard computing systems designed to detect pedestrians, cyclists, pets, and other obstacles, allowing it to stop or reroute when necessary.
DoorDash also says remote operators can intervene if needed, while local operations teams are available to respond when issues cannot be resolved remotely.
