🚀 Grab’s Big Bet on Robotics: How a Chinese AI Startup Could Transform Delivery in Southeast Asia
Singapore-based super-app Grab has just taken a bold step into the future of automated logistics by acquiring Chinese AI robotics startup Infermove — signaling a strategic shift toward robotics-powered delivery across Southeast Asia. (Tech in Asia)
✨ Why This Matters
The acquisition isn’t just another tech deal — it highlights how Grab is tackling two of its biggest business challenges at once:
- Rising delivery volumes: With on-demand services booming, delivery logistics are under pressure to keep up with speed and reliability.
- Escalating labor costs: Hiring and retaining delivery workers is increasingly expensive and complex across the region. (TNGlobal)
By bringing Infermove’s robotics tech in-house, Grab aims to automate both the “first mile” and “last mile” of logistics — from warehouse or restaurant to customer doorstep — with autonomous robots that can navigate busy streets and urban sidewalks. (iTnews Asia)
🤖 Meet Infermove: From Garage Startup to Robotics Player
Founded in 2021 by Aaron Lu, Infermove started humbly in a Santa Clara garage before expanding into Beijing and Suzhou with a focus on:
- Autonomous navigation systems for unstructured environments
- Mobile manipulation robots capable of navigating sidewalks and interacting with real-world obstacles
- Data-driven learning models using crowdsourced delivery vehicle data (like scooters and wheelchairs) to train its robots for complex urban terrain. (TNGlobal)
The company’s Carri series robots have already been piloted with major Chinese delivery platforms such as Meituan, Ele.me, Sam’s Club and Dada. (TNGlobal)
🛠 From Pilot to Scale
Grab hasn’t disclosed the financial terms of the deal, but what’s clear is that Infermove will continue operating under its existing leadership, with founder Aaron Lu reporting to Grab’s Chief Technology Officer. (TNGlobal)
More importantly, Grab plans to deepen Infermove’s technology development out of Singapore — adapting its robotics solutions to fit the unique challenges of Southeast Asian cities where narrow streets, heavy foot traffic, and dense urban layouts are the norm. (Tech in Asia)
📈 Bigger Picture: Automation in Southeast Asia
Industry analysts project rapid growth in the global last-mile robotics delivery market, often valuing it in the tens of billions by the end of the decade. This acquisition positions Grab not just to keep up with that trend — but to lead it within its markets. (Laotian Times)
As labor costs continue rising and e-commerce demand grows, robotics and AI are no longer fringe experiments — they’re essential tools for scaling efficiently and sustainably.
📘 Glossary: Key Terms Explained
First-mile delivery The initial leg in a delivery chain — typically from a warehouse, restaurant, or dispatch point to a central hub.
Last-mile delivery The final stretch from a local hub to the customer’s doorstep — often the most expensive and complex part of logistics.
Autonomous robot A machine capable of navigating and performing tasks without direct human control, often using sensors and AI.
Machine learning (Imitation & reinforcement learning) AI training techniques where robots learn from real-world data or feedback loops to improve their performance in complex tasks.
Source: https://www.techinasia.com/news/grab-buys-chinese-ai-robotics-startup-automate-deliveries-sea (Tech in Asia)
