Articles tagged with "autonomous-delivery"
Why Serve Robotics is acquiring a hospital assistant robot company
Serve Robotics, a company known for its sidewalk delivery robots and backed by Nvidia and Uber, is expanding into healthcare through its acquisition of Diligent Robotics, a startup that develops hospital assistant robots named Moxi. The deal values Diligent’s common stock at $29 million. Founded in 2017 and having raised over $75 million in venture capital, Diligent’s robots assist hospitals by delivering lab samples, supplies, and performing other tasks. This acquisition marks Serve’s first move beyond food delivery, where it initially grew after being incubated inside Postmates and later spinning off in 2021 before going public in April 2024. Serve’s CEO Ali Kashani explained that the acquisition aligns with the company’s broader vision of autonomous robots navigating alongside humans in various environments, not just food delivery. While healthcare was not a targeted expansion area, the timing and shared mission between the two companies made the acquisition a natural fit. Diligent will operate relatively independently but will leverage Serve’s software
robotroboticshealthcare-robotsautonomous-deliveryServe-RoboticsDiligent-Roboticslast-mile-deliveryBehind the scenes of drone food delivery in Finland
The article explores the emerging use of drone food delivery in Finland, focusing on a partnership involving Finnish food delivery platform Huuva (owned by DoorDash), drone operator Manna, and delivery service Wolt. Despite Finland’s challenging weather, including rain and snow, drones have been successfully deployed since a pilot phase in February, now fully operational in Espoo, a suburb of Helsinki. The drones, capable of carrying about 4.4 pounds and operating two at a time, deliver food and groceries faster and more efficiently than traditional methods, avoiding traffic delays and helping maintain food freshness. This innovation aims to expand dining options in suburban areas where variety is limited compared to the capital. Manna’s drones, originally tested in Ireland under harsh weather conditions, are adapted to Finnish climate challenges, though icing remains a hurdle that prompts fallback to conventional delivery methods. The drone delivery system integrates with Wolt Market’s launchpad in Espoo, where delivery workers transfer orders from kitchens to drones under strict safety and regulatory
robotdrone-deliverylogistics-technologyautonomous-deliverylast-mile-deliveryfood-deliverydelivery-dronesUber Eats will use Starship sidewalk robots to deliver food in the UK
Uber Eats is launching a partnership with Starship Technologies to use autonomous sidewalk delivery robots for food deliveries in the U.K., beginning in December in the Leeds and Sheffield areas with select merchants. The service is planned to expand to additional European markets in 2026 and to the U.S. in 2027. This collaboration adds to Uber’s growing portfolio of partnerships with various autonomous vehicle companies aimed at enhancing its delivery capabilities. Starship Technologies operates nearly 3,000 six-wheeled delivery robots across more than 270 locations worldwide. These robots typically complete deliveries within 30 minutes and cover distances up to two miles. Uber Eats has previously worked with other sidewalk robot companies, including Serve Robotics in the U.S. and Avride earlier this year, indicating a broader strategic move towards integrating autonomous delivery solutions into its food delivery services.
robotautonomous-deliveryStarship-TechnologiesUber-Eatssidewalk-robotsfood-delivery-robotsautonomous-vehiclesGrubhub partners with Avride for the future of food delivery - The Robot Report
Grubhub has partnered with startup Avride to expand the use of autonomous delivery robots beyond college campuses to urban environments, beginning with a pilot program in Jersey City. This follows Avride’s deployment of 100 delivery robots at various North American college campuses, including a large-scale operation at Ohio State University, where over 120 robots complete up to 1,600 deliveries daily during peak times. The Ohio State deployment demonstrated the ability of autonomous delivery to handle high-volume orders reliably and safely. However, operating in a dense urban setting like Jersey City presents new challenges such as navigating mixed traffic, pedestrians, narrow sidewalks, and construction, which Avride addresses through high-resolution mapping and adaptive routing systems. The partnership, initiated a year after Wonder’s acquisition of Grubhub, aims to combine Grubhub’s marketplace, Wonder’s culinary innovation, and Avride’s robotics to enhance delivery convenience while promoting sustainability and safety. Delivery robots are expected to reduce carbon emissions by replacing traditional vehicle trips with electric-powered alternatives
robotautonomous-deliverydelivery-robotsAvrideGrubhuburban-roboticselectric-vehiclesStarship Technologies obtains funding for autonomous deliveries across the U.S. - The Robot Report
Starship Technologies, a company founded in 2014 by Skype co-founders Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, has raised $50 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total investment to over $280 million. The San Francisco-based firm operates what it claims is the largest autonomous delivery network globally, with more than 2,700 robots completing over 9 million deliveries across 270+ locations in seven countries. Starship plans to expand its robotic delivery services from U.S. university campuses and European cities into broader North American urban markets, aiming to offer sub-30-minute deliveries to millions of consumers. The company emphasizes its progress in achieving SAE Level 4 autonomy, improving robot autonomy by double-digit percentages annually, and addressing challenges such as safety validation, regulatory compliance, all-weather reliability, and profitability at scale. Starship leverages a combination of classical algorithms, computer vision, and neural networks optimized for edge computing to enhance its robots' performance while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
robotautonomous-deliveryroboticsurban-logisticsAIedge-computingSAE-Level-4-autonomyServe Robotics could bring in up to $100M from stock sale - The Robot Report
Serve Robotics, a Redwood City-based developer of sidewalk delivery robots spun off from Uber in 2021, has agreed to sell 6.25 million shares of common stock, potentially raising up to $100 million before fees. The company plans to use the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including working capital. Serve Robotics has deployed delivery robots in cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and recently expanded to Chicago with Uber Eats. It has completed over 100,000 deliveries and aims to deploy up to 2,000 robots on the Uber Eats platform across multiple U.S. markets by the end of the year. Additionally, Serve announced a multi-year strategic partnership with DoorDash to roll out delivery robots nationwide, with robots already delivering orders in Los Angeles. The company has strengthened its technology through acquisitions, including Phantom Auto Inc. and its subsidiary Voysys AB, which specialize in ultra-low-latency video streaming and teleoperation technology, acquired for about $5.75 million.
robotautonomous-deliveryAI-powered-robotsServe-Roboticsdelivery-technologyurban-roboticsteleoperation-technologyCoco Robotics taps UCLA professor to lead new physical AI research lab
Coco Robotics, a startup specializing in last-mile delivery robots, has established a new physical AI research lab led by UCLA professor Zhou, who has also joined the company as chief AI scientist. The move aims to leverage the extensive data—spanning millions of miles collected over five years in complex urban environments—to advance autonomous operation of their delivery bots and reduce delivery costs. Coco Robotics co-founder and CEO Zach Rash emphasized that the company now has sufficient data scale to accelerate research in physical AI, particularly in robot navigation and reinforcement learning, areas where Zhou is a leading expert. The new research lab operates independently from Coco Robotics’ partnership with OpenAI, which provides access to language models, while the lab focuses on utilizing the company’s proprietary robot-collected data. Coco Robotics plans to use the insights gained exclusively to enhance its own automation capabilities and improve the efficiency of its local robot models, rather than selling the data. Additionally, the company intends to share relevant research findings with the cities where it operates to help address
roboticsartificial-intelligenceautonomous-deliveryphysical-AIrobot-navigationreinforcement-learninglast-mile-deliveryDoorDash to use Serve Robotics’ sidewalk robots for deliveries in Los Angeles
DoorDash has announced a multi-year partnership with Serve Robotics to deploy autonomous sidewalk delivery robots in Los Angeles and across the U.S. This collaboration follows the recent launch of Dot, an autonomous delivery bot by DoorDash that operates on roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks at speeds up to 20 mph, distinguishing it from Serve’s primarily sidewalk-based robots. DoorDash aims to integrate various delivery modes—including sidewalk bots, drones, and robotaxis—into a multimodal platform to better serve its expanding customer base. According to Ashu Rege, VP of autonomy at DoorDash Labs, Dot addresses a critical delivery challenge: bridging the “last 10 feet” gap that other autonomous vehicles do not cover effectively. While sidewalk robots are suited for dense urban areas, Dot is designed for “dense suburban deliveries” within a 3-5 mile range, capable of navigating both roads and sidewalks to deliver food directly to customers’ doors. DoorDash plans to manufacture Dot at scale but has not disclosed specific production details
robotautonomous-deliveryServe-RoboticsDoorDashlast-mile-deliverydelivery-robotsautonomous-vehiclesDoorDash’s Dot robot delivers food with a smile and glowing eyes
DoorDash has introduced Dot, a 350-pound, four-wheeled autonomous delivery robot designed specifically for local commerce, capable of carrying up to 30 pounds—equivalent to about six stacked pizza boxes. Dot features a bright red exterior with playful LED eyes and a cartoon-like mouth that opens to release deliveries. Standing 4.5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, it can transport groceries, toiletries, and food items with custom trays and insulated liners. The robot can travel at speeds up to 20 mph, navigating sidewalks, bike lanes, and narrow driveways, aiming to provide faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable delivery options while reducing traffic congestion. Equipped with eight cameras, four radars, and three LiDAR sensors, Dot autonomously scans its surroundings to select optimal routes and safely avoid obstacles without human remote control. It also includes interactive features such as a colorful LED message strip and audio alerts to create a friendly, approachable presence for customers. The robot operates on a sw
robotautonomous-deliveryDoorDash-Dotdelivery-robotAI-navigationelectric-vehiclelast-mile-deliveryDoorDash unveils Dot, its first commercial autonomous delivery robot - The Robot Report
DoorDash has introduced Dot, its first commercial autonomous delivery robot designed to perform local deliveries by traveling on bike lanes, roads, sidewalks, and driveways. About one-tenth the size of a car, Dot can travel up to 20 mph (32.1 kph) and carry up to 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of cargo, including up to six large pizza boxes. Its compact size (4 ft. 6 in. tall) allows it to navigate doorways and driveways, reducing congestion and enabling efficient handoffs. The robot’s sensor suite includes eight external cameras for 360-degree vision, one interior camera, four radar units, and initially three high-resolution lidar sensors, with plans to switch to more cost-effective automotive-grade lidars for scalability. Dot’s technology stack combines deep learning and search-based algorithms to autonomously navigate complex environments such as busy parking lots, streets, and sidewalks while understanding the behavior of other road users to drive safely and predictably. Door
robotautonomous-deliveryDoorDashdelivery-robotelectric-robotrobotics-technologyautonomous-vehicleDoorDash unveils Dot, its autonomous robot built to deliver your food
DoorDash has introduced Dot, a compact autonomous delivery robot designed to transport food and small packages at speeds up to 20 mph. Dot is built to navigate roads, bike lanes, and sidewalks, standing under five feet tall and weighing 350 pounds. Its bright red, cartoonish design features LED eyes and a mouth that opens to reveal cargo space capable of holding up to six pizza boxes or 30 pounds of food, with customizable inserts like cupholders and coolers. Equipped with eight cameras, radar, and lidar sensors, Dot uses AI-driven navigation to optimize delivery routes. The robot also includes interactive features such as an LED text display, speakers, and a microphone for potential AI-powered customer interactions. DoorDash plans to roll out Dot to the Phoenix metropolitan area, serving its 1.6 million residents by the end of 2025. DoorDash’s entry into autonomous vehicle technology reflects its belief that food delivery will undergo a transformation similar to ride-hailing services, with robots handling the "first
robotautonomous-deliveryDoorDashdelivery-robotroboticsautonomous-vehiclelast-mile-deliveryServe Robotics acquires assets of Voysys to support autonomous delivery - The Robot Report
Serve Robotics Inc., a company specializing in sidewalk delivery robots, has acquired the assets of Phantom Auto Inc. and its subsidiary Voysys AB for approximately $5.75 million in cash. Voysys, founded in 2014 and based in Norrköping, Sweden, is known for its ultra-low-latency video streaming, connectivity, and teleoperation technology critical for autonomous vehicles and robots. This acquisition enhances Serve Robotics' technology stack to support its expanding fleet, which currently operates in five cities and aims to reach six by year-end. Serve Robotics was already a customer of Voysys before Phantom Auto's bankruptcy and recognized Voysys' superior technology as essential for scaling reliable teleoperation and connectivity for Level 4 autonomous systems. Voysys will continue to operate as a standalone entity within Serve Robotics’ Software & Data Services platform, focusing on monetizing its proprietary technologies and maintaining global client relationships, including partnerships with a European commercial vehicle manufacturer, an autonomous trucking company, and an agricultural robotics firm. Voy
robotautonomous-deliveryteleoperationlow-latency-connectivityvideo-streamingServe-RoboticsVoysysRobomart unveils new delivery robot with $3 flat fee to challenge DoorDash, Uber Eats
Robomart, a Los Angeles-based company, has unveiled its new autonomous delivery vehicle, the Robomart RM5, designed to challenge established food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. The level-four autonomous robot can carry up to 500 pounds and features 10 individual lockers to hold multiple customer orders simultaneously, enabling batch deliveries. Robomart’s business model involves partnering with retailers to create storefronts on its app, similar to existing delivery platforms, but with a key differentiator: a flat $3 delivery fee per order. This pricing strategy aims to offer a more affordable and transparent alternative to the multiple fees typically charged by competitors. The company plans to launch its service in Austin, Texas, later this year, marking a shift from its original “store on wheels” concept, which brought mobile autonomous stores directly to customers. Robomart’s CEO Ali Ahmed, who previously founded an on-demand delivery platform reliant on human drivers, emphasizes that automation is critical to reducing delivery costs by up to
robotautonomous-deliverydelivery-robotRobomarton-demand-deliveryself-driving-vehiclerobotics-technologyEVs, robots and lockers cut parcel delivery costs by 53%: Study
A study led by Concordia University presents an innovative hybrid parcel delivery system that combines electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous delivery robots, and self-service parcel lockers to significantly reduce last-mile delivery costs and emissions. This model targets priority customers, such as Amazon Prime members, by using EVs for main route deliveries and deploying robots for short-distance deliveries in areas inaccessible to vehicles. Parcels can also be dropped off at strategically located lockers near homes, offices, or transit hubs for convenient customer pickup. The robots return to the delivery van—acting as a “mothership”—for battery swaps and reloading, enabling continuous operation. The researchers developed a customized optimization algorithm that demonstrated a 53% reduction in vehicle usage costs compared to traditional EV-only delivery methods, outperforming existing industry tools in large-scale simulations. The system prioritizes fast delivery for paid subscribers while offering standard delivery options for other customers, with advanced mathematical models determining optimal routes, locker placements, and delivery assignments. This approach not only enhances delivery
robotselectric-vehicleslast-mile-deliveryparcel-lockersautonomous-deliverybattery-swappingdelivery-optimizationDomino’s teases submarine pizza delivery, robot dogs in new trials
Domino’s UK is pushing the boundaries of pizza delivery through a series of innovative trials that blend technology with convenience. Recently, the company introduced what it claims to be the world’s first submarine pizza delivery, using a high-speed Seabreacher X submersible at Loch Ness. This stunt not only capitalizes on the location’s legendary status but also highlights Domino’s commitment to creating unique and memorable delivery experiences. Earlier initiatives include the use of a pothole-resistant delivery bike equipped with a built-in oven to ensure hot pizzas despite rough road conditions, addressing a widespread issue in the UK where potholes cause significant vehicle damage. In addition to the submarine and specialized bike, Domino’s partnered with robotics firm Boston Dynamics to deploy “Domidog,” a robot dog designed to deliver pizzas on beaches while deterring seagulls—an annoyance for many coastal visitors. Domidog’s advanced obstacle avoidance and 360-degree perception enable it to navigate challenging environments and protect deliveries from wildlife interference. These experiments demonstrate Domino’s focus
robotroboticsautonomous-deliveryrobot-dogsinnovative-deliveryDomino'slast-mile-deliveryServe Robotics acquires Vayu Robotics to enhance delivery robots
Serve Robotics Inc., a developer of sidewalk delivery robots, has acquired Vayu Robotics, a company specializing in large-scale AI models for urban robot deployment. This acquisition aims to enhance Serve’s physical AI capabilities by integrating its autonomy stack and real-world sidewalk data with Vayu’s AI foundation models and scalable simulation-powered data engine. The combined technology is expected to enable safer, faster, and more adaptable navigation for delivery robots, facilitating Serve’s expansion into new markets and use cases. Serve Robotics, which launched a delivery service in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and has completed tens of thousands of deliveries for partners like Uber Eats and 7-Eleven, plans to leverage this acquisition to accelerate its goal of reducing delivery costs to $1. The company holds scalable multi-year contracts, including deploying up to 2,000 robots on Uber Eats across multiple U.S. cities. Vayu’s CEO Anand Gopalan highlighted the synergy between Vayu’s AI expertise and Serve’s operational scale and cost focus, positioning Serve
robotautonomous-deliveryAI-roboticslast-mile-logisticsServe-RoboticsVayu-Roboticsurban-robotsWill Automated Delivery Robots Solve Last-Mile Delivery Issues? - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the potential and challenges of automated delivery robots in addressing last-mile delivery issues, as highlighted during the Traffic Safety Forum at the 125th New York International Auto Show. A key focus was on urban mobility safety and how emerging technologies, including autonomous delivery robots like Coco, are shaping city streets. Coco, an electric delivery robot developed by COCO, demonstrated its capabilities by autonomously navigating a crowded indoor environment to deliver cookies to forum participants. The robot’s advanced sensors, AI, and remote human monitoring ensure safe and efficient operation, even in complex spaces. Despite some instances of deliberate obstruction by humans, Coco’s performance illustrated the promise of such technology in enhancing urban logistics while maintaining safety. The forum also featured insights from city officials and industry experts on integrating technology and data to improve road safety and urban transportation. NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez shared the city’s approach to these challenges, while representatives from Nexar and Verra Mobility highlighted the importance of smart dash cameras and automated enforcement solutions in
robotautonomous-deliveryurban-mobilityAI-navigationelectric-delivery-robotlast-mile-deliveryrobotics-safetyWhy Cartken pivoted its focus from last-mile delivery to industrial robots
Cartken, an autonomous robotics startup initially focused on last-mile food delivery on college campuses and in Tokyo, has pivoted toward industrial applications for its robots. Co-founder and CEO Christian Bersch explained that while industrial use was always a consideration, interest from companies needing robots for factories and labs revealed a significant market demand. In 2023, Cartken secured its first major industrial client, German manufacturer ZF Lifetec, which repurposed Cartken’s food delivery robot, the Cartken Courier, to transport production samples. This success highlighted the robots’ value in optimizing material and production flows, prompting Cartken to increasingly target industrial sectors. The transition from food delivery to industrial use was facilitated by the robots’ AI, trained on extensive delivery data, enabling them to navigate diverse terrains and obstacles both indoors and outdoors. Cartken expanded its product line with the Cartken Hauler, capable of carrying up to 660 pounds, and the Cartken Runner, designed for indoor deliveries, with plans for
robotindustrial-robotsautonomous-deliveryAI-navigationrobotic-fleetlast-mile-deliveryCartkenWorld-first: Penguin-like delivery robots ride trains to courier goods
Shenzhen has launched the world’s first fleet of autonomous delivery robots that ride the subway to restock 7-Eleven stores across the city. The 41 penguin-like robots, operated by VX Logistics (a unit of property giant Vanke partly owned by Shenzhen Metro), board trains during off-peak hours, navigate elevators and platform gaps, and deliver goods directly into over 100 outlets. Designed with specialized chassis and LED faces displaying friendly expressions, these robots address logistical challenges faced by human delivery workers who previously had to manually transport goods through subway stations. This initiative is part of Shenzhen’s broader “Embodied Intelligent Robot Action Plan,” aiming for widespread adoption of service and industrial robots by 2027. Shenzhen, a hub for robotics innovation, is pushing to move automation from factory settings into public-facing roles, aligning with national policies addressing an aging population and labor shortages. If successful, the subway delivery robots could pave the way for expanded urban logistics solutions, including parcel delivery and medical supply transport, making
robotautonomous-deliverylogistics-automationservice-robotsurban-roboticsShenzhen-metrolast-mile-deliveryUber has Atlanta’s autonomous ride-hailing and delivery market on lock
Uber has solidified its dominance in Atlanta’s autonomous ride-hailing and delivery market by partnering with Serve Robotics to introduce sidewalk delivery robots for Uber Eats customers. This launch marks Serve’s fourth commercial city after Los Angeles, Miami, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Unlike competitors focusing on college campuses, Serve targets urban environments, which CEO Ali Kashani believes present a more complex challenge and greater revenue potential. Uber currently operates an annual run rate of 1.5 million autonomous vehicle (AV) trips across its network, leveraging partnerships with 18 AV companies to maintain a first-mover advantage in consumer-facing autonomy. In Atlanta, Uber Eats customers can opt for robot deliveries across metro areas including Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, and Downtown, with service hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Participating restaurants include Rreal Tacos, Ponko Chicken, and Shake Shack. While Serve did not disclose the exact number of deployed robots at launch, it plans to expand beyond the approximately 100
robotautonomous-vehiclesdelivery-robotsUber-Eatsurban-mobilityServe-Roboticsautonomous-deliveryCoco Robotics raises $80M to scale sidewalk delivery robots
Coco Robotics has raised $80 million in strategic funding to accelerate the development of its AI-powered sidewalk delivery robots, scale its fleet, and expand enterprise partnerships. Founded in 2020 and based in Santa Monica, the company has completed over 500,000 zero-emission deliveries across major U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, as well as in Helsinki, its first European market. Coco aims to deploy thousands of vehicles by the end of 2025, focusing on creating sustainable, reliable, and affordable last-mile logistics solutions. The funding round included returning investors like Sam and Max Altman and new participants such as Ryan Graves, former Uber SVP and current CEO of Saltwater. Coco Robotics’ autonomous delivery robots combine self-driving technology with remote human supervision to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and ease urban traffic congestion. The company has formed partnerships with major platforms like Uber and DoorDash, expanding its reach through pilot programs and live rollouts in multiple cities. For
robotautonomous-deliveryAI-platformlast-mile-logisticssustainable-transportationurban-roboticsdelivery-robotsIs Amazon On Verge Of Replacing Delivery People With Humanoid Robots? - CleanTechnica
Amazon is reportedly developing humanoid robots designed to replace human delivery personnel. The company has established a “humanoid park,” roughly the size of a coffee shop, where these robots are tested on navigating obstacles and performing delivery tasks. Amazon is creating the AI software in-house while outsourcing the robot hardware to an external company. The goal is for these robots to autonomously exit delivery vans and bring packages directly to customers’ doors, potentially increasing delivery efficiency by allowing simultaneous deliveries by robots and human drivers. While the exact development stage and challenges remain unclear, the deployment of such robots could significantly impact human delivery jobs. Amazon’s interest in automation extends to self-driving vehicles through its Zoox unit, indicating a broader strategy to integrate robotics and AI into logistics. Although robots require electricity and recharging, unlike humans, they could operate continuously, offering 24/7 delivery capabilities. This advancement signals a shift toward more automated delivery systems, raising questions about job security for current delivery workers and the future landscape of last-mile logistics.
roboticshumanoid-robotsAmazondelivery-automationAI-softwareelectric-energy-consumptionautonomous-delivery