DoorDash Reportedly Testing AI Chatbot in Some Markets

DoorDash is reportedly testing an artificial intelligence-based chatbot to enhance ordering and help customers find the food options that best suit them.

The restaurant aggregator’s software, DashAI, is being tested in a limited capacity in certain markets, Bloomberg reported Thursday (July 27).

Reached for comment by PYMNTS, a DoorDash spokesperson confirmed the accuracy of the report.

The idea behind DashAI is to provide more personalized restaurant recommendations for customers with a few simple text prompts regarding things like restaurant ratings, affordability and menu options, according to the report.

The AI-based search engine will be a more convenient and quicker alternative to scrolling through menus, the report said.

The experimental software comes with a warning message to customers informing them that accuracy may vary, per the report.

PYMNTS research has found that consumers are eagerly embracing the digital engagement capabilities being offered by an increasing number of restaurants and others in the field.

For example, there has been an 11% increase in consumers ordering with restaurant apps, websites and aggregator tools, according to “Inflation Puts Technology on the Menu for Restaurants,” the June edition of the “B2B and Digital Payments Tracker Series,” a PYMNTS and American Express collaboration.

Conversational AI technology in particular has been deployed by quick-service restaurants (QSRs) like Wendy’s and Del Taco to automate the drive-thru order-taking experience.

In May, grocery delivery giant Instacart said it was combining its own AI and data with OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology to roll out Ask Instacart, a search feature designed to provide suggestions and answers to questions.

DoorDash’s reported deployment of an AI-based chatbot follows the company’s recent additions of some other service offerings and partnerships.

For example, the firm announced in June that it was adding the ability to pay via Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).

Earlier that same month, DoorDash partnered with Edible to offer on-demand delivery from nearly 1,000 locations of that company known for its giftable arrangements of fruits and sweets.