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Dine Local with Dot - DoorDash’s Autonomous Delivery Robot Arrives in Fremont
Fremont proudly welcomes Dot, DoorDash’s autonomous delivery robot. Over the last several months, staff from Economic Development and Public Works have collaborated on a proposal from DoorDash to introduce Dot to the Fremont community through a measured set of steps that ensure public safety and community support. Manufactured right here in Fremont, Dot is an all-electric, compact robot designed to reliably bring orders straight to your door while safely navigating city streets. Our partnership with DoorDash highlights Fremont’s leadership in advanced robotics, continued support for our local restaurants and commercial vibrancy, especially in our growing Downtown.
Encroachment Permit & Safety Measures
DoorDash’s deployment in Fremont is subject to an encroachment permit, ensuring compliance with municipal code and public safety standards. Based on DoorDash’s experience with automated delivery in other cities, they have a standardized Operating Plan and Incidence Response Procedures. The robots would have a maximum travel speed of 5 mph on sidewalks, 16 mph within bike lanes, and 20 mph along neighborhood streets.
Proposed Initial Service Area
Generally, this will include the Downtown/City Center, Centerville, and Irvington areas of Fremont. Dot’s primary travel corridors are proposed to be Fremont Boulevard, Walnut Avenue, Mowry Avenue, Stevenson Boulevard, and Paseo Padre Parkway (see map below).
Phased Rollout
Phase 1A: Coordination and Mapping
- Upon City permit approval, DoorDash will conduct a coordination process to introduce the “Dot” robots to the Fremont community that would involve comprehensive stakeholder engagement including bike and pedestrian community groups; local businesses; and City staff (Police, Fire, Maintenance, Public Works).
- Begin to map the City within the Initial Service area to render a real‑time 3D representation of the street environment to support safe navigation by Dot around pedestrians, cyclists, and other users of the right‑of‑way.
- During Phase 1A, expected to take approximately 2 months, DoorDash would only operate up to 3 robots for community engagement, testing and demonstration purposes, during which robots are chaperoned by local operators.
Phase 1B
Based on the experiences and feedback from Phase 1A, an amended permit would be issued by Public Works to allow up to 30 robots to operate autonomously within the Service Area and with the capability to be operated remotely as needed.
Phase 2
Continued ongoing operations and expansion of service would be subject to a separate review and approval process.
Conditions of Approval
The current encroachment permit would extend for approximately 1 year, through March 2027. The permit can be revoked by the City at any time in the event of non‑compliance with DoorDash commitments or permit conditions, any safety issues, significant public concern, or direction by City Manager or City Council.
Supporting Local Businesses During Restaurant Week
The launch of DoorDash’s Dot robot coincides with our 4th Annual Fremont Restaurant Week, taking place from March 6 -15, 2026. In fact, Dot will make its inaugural delivery on March 5 at the Restaurant Week kickoff event hosted by Fremont Bank. Dot makes it even easier for residents to dine local, support small businesses, and contribute to the continued growth and success of Downtown Fremont.
Community Outreach and FAQs
We understand that introducing autonomous technology raises questions. DoorDash is committed to proactive outreach with community groups and merchants in order to ensure a smooth and safe integration of Dot into our community. To that end, we’ve developed a comprehensive FAQ below detailing Dot’s phased deployment schedule. Our goal is to maintain a positive relationship with community groups and address any concerns proactively, ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists, and Dot can coexist safely and harmoniously.
Looking Ahead
The arrival of Dot marks an exciting chapter in Fremont’s innovation story. As we work closely with DoorDash to monitor and refine this program, we invite residents to share feedback and stay engaged. Together, we can embrace technology that supports local innovation and enhances convenience while preserving the safety and vibrancy of our community.