Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are signaling their intent to significantly increase spending on autonomous vehicle technology as they work to scale self-driving robotaxis and delivery robots across the U.S. The push comes amid growing recognition that widespread deployment of these systems will require major upfront investment in both technology and physical infrastructure. DoorDash made the most direct commitment this week, announcing it will spend "several hundred million dollars more" than previously planned on key initiatives in 2026, including its autonomous delivery technology. The company’s focus includes Dot, a stroller-sized delivery robot introduced this year that navigates sidewalks and bike lanes to complete orders. CEO Tony Xu acknowledged the long-term nature of the effort, saying, "This is not something that's going to happen overnight. It does require making investments upfront." Despite the strategic commitment, DoorDash’s stock dropped 17% on Thursday—the largest single-day decline in its history—after the spending plans were revealed, reflecting investor concerns about near-term profitability. Lyft, which has a partnership with Waymo, is also preparing to expand its self-driving operations. The company plans to build a new depot in Nashville to charge, service, and store autonomous vehicles available to Lyft riders. CFO Erin Brewer said the project will cost between $10 million and $15 million. CEO David Risher emphasized that while the initial outlay is substantial, the long-term unit economics are promising, calling the investment a necessary step for smooth, scalable operations. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi confirmed on an earnings call that self-driving cars remain a money-losing venture for the company. However, he stressed that Uber is committed to expanding the availability of driverless vehicles to boost rider demand and build a sustainable business. The strategy mirrors past approaches used in other growth areas, such as Moto, Uber’s motorbike delivery service in select international markets. "We can turn those products profitable if we want it tomorrow, but it's about the balance of investing in profitability and growth," Khosrowshahi said. The increased investment across the three companies underscores a broader industry shift: while autonomous technology is still in its early stages, the path to commercial success depends on heavy capital commitment. As robotaxis and delivery robots begin to appear on city streets, the companies are laying the groundwork for a future where human drivers are no longer needed—though the road to that future will be expensive.