DoorDash is expanding its delivery empire with 'DoorDash Air,' a drone service that has received the green light from the FAA. However, don't expect immediate drone deliveries; initial tests will involve short flights within sight of operators.

The company is also testing sidewalk bots like Dot and plans to use both drones and robots as part of its broader delivery strategy. Stanley Tang explains that innovation starts with solving customer problems, not just creating cool tech.

While hardware like the 350-pound sidewalk bot is impressive, Tang argues that the software coordination system is equally crucial for making autonomous deliveries work seamlessly. DoorDash's aim is to handle all layers of delivery technology simultaneously, from hardware to real-time decision-making.

This ambitious approach could revolutionize urban logistics or remain just a neat side project, depending on how well it integrates with current services and customer expectations.