Articles tagged with "last-mile-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-deliveryWing to expand drone delivery to another 150 Walmart stores
Wing, an Alphabet-owned drone delivery company, is significantly expanding its partnership with Walmart by adding drone delivery services to 150 more Walmart stores across the U.S. This expansion builds on existing operations in Dallas-Fort Worth and Atlanta and will continue through 2026 into 2027. Wing’s chief business officer, Heather Rivera, highlighted strong customer demand, noting that the top 25% of users order via drone delivery about three times weekly. Popular items include groceries like eggs, ground beef, fresh produce, and snacks. The expansion follows earlier plans to launch in cities such as Houston, Orlando, Tampa, and Charlotte, with Houston’s launch scheduled for January 15. Once complete, Wing’s service will cover over 270 Walmart stores and reach roughly 10% of the U.S. population. Wing’s primary commercial growth strategy remains closely tied to Walmart, despite having a partnership with DoorDash. The initial collaboration began in 2023 with two Dallas-area stores and has since grown to
drone-deliveryroboticsautonomous-droneslogistics-technologyretail-innovationlast-mile-deliverycommercial-dronesHyundai’s MobED wins robotics award for stable all-terrain motion
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Hyundai Motor Group’s Robotics LAB won the Best of Innovation Award in Robotics for its MobED (Mobile Eccentric Droid), a compact four-wheeled robot designed to navigate challenging terrains such as steep ramps and high curbs. Utilizing Hyundai’s proprietary Drive and Lift (DnL) technology, MobED maintains stability on uneven surfaces by independently adjusting each wheel to keep the platform level. The robot is offered in two versions: the Basic model, a controller-operated platform for developers, and the Pro model, equipped with LiDAR, camera sensors, and AI algorithms for autonomous navigation and a “follow-me” mode, making it suitable for urban environments and commercial use. MobED is intended for diverse applications including last-mile logistics, service industry roles as a digital guide or mobile advertising platform, and carrying various payloads up to 47 kg (Basic) or 57 kg (Pro). The Pro model can reach speeds up to 10 km/h. First
roboticsautonomous-robotsHyundai-MobEDall-terrain-robotAI-navigationlast-mile-deliveryrobotics-innovationBehind 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-dronesCoco 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 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-deliverySwisslog Healthcare, Diligent Robotics to bring last-mile delivery to hospitals - The Robot Report
Swisslog Healthcare has formed a strategic alliance with Diligent Robotics to introduce autonomous last-mile delivery robots, specifically the Moxi robot, into hospitals across the U.S. This partnership aims to enhance hospital logistics by integrating Swisslog’s transport and pharmacy automation systems with Diligent’s autonomous mobile manipulation robots (AMMRs). The collaboration is designed to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, and improve patient care by enabling faster, more accurate delivery of medications and other critical items, including high-risk drugs like pediatric chemotherapy and narcotics. The alliance also seeks to complement existing pneumatic tube systems with robotic solutions capable of handling deliveries that are too large or sensitive for tubes. The service robotics market in healthcare is projected to grow significantly, and this partnership addresses the increasing demand for efficient, end-to-end hospital logistics solutions. Swisslog and Diligent Robotics emphasize that their combined technology will improve tracking and traceability of transported goods, reduce operational waste, and allow healthcare staff to focus more on patient care. Dilig
roboticshealthcare-automationautonomous-robotshospital-logisticslast-mile-deliverymedical-robotstransport-automationRobomart’s shuttle-sized RM5 offers autonomous grocery shopping
Robomart’s RM5 is an innovative autonomous electric vehicle designed to revolutionize grocery and meal delivery in urban areas. Unlike small sidewalk delivery robots, the RM5 is shuttle-sized, capable of carrying up to 500 pounds across 10 climate-controlled lockers, allowing it to handle multiple orders simultaneously. With a top speed of 25 mph, a 112-mile range, and level-4 autonomy, it can safely navigate city streets and efficiently complete multi-stop delivery routes. Launching later in 2025 in Austin, Texas, the RM5 aims to bring a mobile marketplace directly to customers’ doors, enhancing convenience while maintaining product freshness. The RM5’s design balances practicality and urban compatibility, offering a middle ground between small delivery bots and larger vehicles. Its fully electric drivetrain supports sustainable local logistics, while the flat $3 delivery fee model challenges traditional high-commission delivery apps, benefiting both retailers and budget-conscious consumers. Customers order via a user-friendly app, select items from partnered stores, and
robotautonomous-vehicleelectric-vehiclelast-mile-deliveryurban-logisticsAI-navigationgrocery-deliveryEVs, 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-optimizationMobilize Is Building Truly Affordable Low Speed Electric Vehicles For The Masses - CleanTechnica
Mobilize, a Renault-backed automotive brand, is introducing a new line of truly affordable low-speed electric vehicles (EVs) aimed at mass-market adoption. Their offerings include the Mobilize Duo 45 Neo, designed for younger drivers with a top speed of 45 kph and priced around €10,000 (reducible to €7,000 in Italy with incentives), and the higher-speed Duo 80 Evo, which can reach 80 kph. Additionally, the Mobilize Bento 80 is a compact cargo vehicle tailored for last-mile urban deliveries, also capped at 80 kph. These vehicles feature unconventional, bulky plastic designs with vertically opening doors, digital keys, airbags, and steering components sourced from Renault’s existing automotive parts. Mobilize focuses on simplicity and affordability, avoiding complex features like rooftop solar panels to keep the vehicles lightweight and efficient. Charging is facilitated via standard 220-volt outlets and a proprietary Mobilize power box capable of up to 22 kW three-phase
energyelectric-vehicleslow-speed-EVsRenaulturban-mobilityEV-charginglast-mile-deliveryDomino’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-deliveryWill 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-deliverySam Altman-backed Coco Robotics raises $80M
Coco Robotics, a Los Angeles-based startup specializing in last-mile delivery robots, has raised $80 million in a new funding round, bringing its total capital raised to over $120 million. The round included returning angel investors Sam Altman and Max Altman, alongside venture capital firms such as Pelion Venture Partners and Offline Ventures. Previously, Coco secured a $36 million Series A round in 2021. Founded in 2020 by Brad Squicciarini and Zach Rash, the company’s zero-emissions robots have completed more than 500,000 deliveries since launching in 2020 and can carry up to 90 liters of groceries or goods. Coco partners with national retailers including Subway, Wingstop, and Jack in the Box. Sam Altman’s involvement extends beyond personal investment; Coco benefits from access to OpenAI’s technology, while OpenAI gains valuable real-world data collected by Coco’s robots to enhance its AI models. This symbiotic relationship underscores the strategic value of the partnership
robotlast-mile-deliveryautonomous-robotszero-emissionsAI-integrationfundingstartupAmazon preps humanoid robots for faster doorstep delivery revolution
robotdeliveryautomationAIlogisticshumanoid-robotslast-mile-delivery