DoorDash Launches AI-Powered Drone Delivery Service with Wing in Charlotte, North Carolina

Image Source: Wing

DoorDash has launched a new AI-driven drone delivery service in South Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning May 14, 2025. The initiative, in partnership with Wing, Alphabet’s drone subsidiary, marks the expansion of high-tech food delivery options in the U.S. Charlotte joins Christiansburg, Virginia, and the Dallas metro area as one of the few American cities to offer this innovative service, building on North Carolina’s progressive drone regulations.

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Service Overview

The service is based at The Arboretum shopping center in South Charlotte, where 18 autonomous drones deliver food from restaurants such as Panera Bread, Curry Junction, Matcha Cafe Maiko, and others. The current delivery area covers homes within a four-mile radius, with plans to expand to more neighborhoods later in 2025. On launch day, DoorDash completed hundreds of successful deliveries. Pricing is set to be comparable with traditional car-based DoorDash delivery, making it accessible for most residents. Customers can check their eligibility and available restaurant options on Wing’s website.

[Read More: 1 Year After FAA Remote ID: Impact on Drone Pilots, Compliance Challenges and AI’s Role in Safety]

AI and Drone Technology

Wing’s drones are capable of carrying packages up to 5 pounds. Powered by advanced AI algorithms, these drones autonomously handle navigation, avoid obstacles, and perform safe landings. They can deliver items within 15–30 minutes, offering a significant improvement in speed and efficiency compared to conventional delivery vehicles. The electric drones are also eco-friendly, producing far less carbon emissions than cars. Human operators monitor multiple drones remotely to ensure safety and compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines.

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Strategic Partnership

This launch leverages Charlotte’s suburban layout, which is well-suited for drone logistics, and takes advantage of North Carolina’s supportive stance on drone technology. By partnering with Wing, which already operates similar programs in Christiansburg and Dallas, DoorDash aims to refine the service and set the stage for future expansion into new markets. Both companies have highlighted Charlotte’s growing reputation as a center for technological innovation.

[Read More: California Drone Regulations in 2025: AI Technology Drives Compliance and Safety]

How It Works

Customers place orders through the DoorDash app and can select drone delivery if their address falls within the eligible zone. The drones pick up food at the shopping center and deliver it directly to customers’ homes, typically lowering packages by tether to lawns or designated drop-off zones. The Arboretum’s existing infrastructure is designed to support scaling up the service, with plans to add more drones and participating restaurants over the coming months.

[Read More: Hong Kong Police to Deploy AI-Enhanced Drones Amid Broader Plans for Low-Altitude Economy]

Benefits and Challenges

Drone delivery offers several benefits: faster service, lower emissions, and potentially lower costs for consumers. However, the four-mile range, weather sensitivity, and public concerns about noise, safety, and privacy are ongoing challenges. Social media reaction has been mixed—many residents are excited by the novelty and convenience, while others raise questions about airspace safety and the impact on local delivery jobs. DoorDash and Wing are working to address these concerns and build community trust through ongoing engagement.

[Read More: Palladyne AI Marks Significant Progress with First Autonomous Tracking Flight of Small Drone]

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Source: Axios, DroneXL, The US Sun, Wing

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