DoorDash is testing an AI agent that orders your food through text

DoorDash announced on Wednesday a new AI agent that lets customers order food by texting through Apple's Messages app, according to TechCrunch. The feature lets users send prompts such as requests for their usual order, and the agent interprets what they want and builds a cart accordingly, TechCrunch reported.

DoorDash is opening the feature to US-based customers through a waitlist, Bloomberg reported. The company is positioning the tool as a way to get ahead of rivals Uber Eats and Grubhub as personal AI agents increasingly let users complete tasks without opening an app, according to TechCrunch.

The agent matches a customer's phone number to their DoorDash profile, allowing it to draw on order history and preferences and to check out using a stored payment method, Bloomberg reported. Bloomberg gave an example command: "order my usual protein bowl to the office." Dexerto reported a similar example from DoorDash co-founder Andy Fang: "Order my usual from Souvla."

DoorDash says the agent can also search local restaurants, suggest a cart based on a prompt and text photos of recommended dishes, according to TechCrunch. For group orders, the agent can handle mixed dietary preferences and different quantities within a single order, and Dexerto reported it can also be added to a group text so multiple people can submit orders in one conversation.

Fang said the system requires no additional setup and is built to learn from repeat orders. Fang said customers can simply text DoorDash to place an order, calling the tool proactive and useful for finding deals and new restaurants. He added that customers can send a photo of their fridge so the agent can identify missing recipe ingredients and arrange delivery of them.

9to5Mac reported the feature is available in the US only at launch, with interested users needing to join the waitlist first, while IGN reported Android support will arrive at a later date. Fang framed the launch as part of a broader shift in how people use technology: "We believe agents are a new app paradigm and are building for that future at DoorDash, with a lot more to come," he said, according to Dexerto.

DoorDash is also testing other new delivery technology. TechCrunch reported the company will begin testing delivery drones with select restaurants in Northern California, and Dexerto reported that DoorDash's drone averaged under five minutes from restaurant to doorstep in early tests and is set to launch with partners including Chipotle and Popeyes. Dexerto reported the feature is still in beta in the US, with no announced date for a wider release.