By
Steve Muchoki
December 20th, 2023
Robotics developer Serve recently deepened its relationship with Uber Eats to deploy 2,000 bots for food deliveries across the US.
Serve Robotics has expanded its partnership with Uber Eats, deploying as many as 2,000 delivery bots across the United States. Reports state that Serve Robotics’ autonomous sidewalk delivery robots would be on hand to deliver goods via Uber’s platform in several US-based markets. The Serve Robotics-Uber Eats partnership would last until early 2026.
Speaking on the joint initiative, Serve co-founder and chief executive officer Ali Kashani pointed out:
“We expect our rapid growth on Uber Eats to continue. We currently have a fleet of 100 robots in Los Angeles, and we expect to operate an increasing number of them on Uber Eats as our coverage and delivery volume on Uber increases.”
Serve Robotics-Uber Eats Partnership Mutually Progressive for Both Platforms
The collaboration between both platforms underscores Serve’s agenda to enhance autonomous delivery with its commercialized robotics. In addition, the Serve and Uber Eats partnership also fuels the food delivery platform’s commitment to autonomous services.
Uber (NYSE: UBER) is currently associated with several autonomy-as-a-service deals for its ride-hailing and delivery platforms. For instance, last week, the San Francisco-based company announced the incorporation of Waymo’s self-driving cars into its service feature later this year. According to Uber, the service rollout would begin in Phoenix, Arizona. The package delivery platform is also collaborating with autonomous vehicle technology company Motional to deliver meals in Santa Monica, California. Also, previous reports state the delivery initiative would take place with involvement from Serve Robotics.
The Serve-Uber partnership began as a pilot scheme a year ago before growing more than 30% month-over-month. Presently, Serve’s Uber-aided robotic deliveries boast a network of more than 200 restaurants in Hollywood, West Hollywood, and Fairfax. Furthermore, Kashani said Serve’s delivery robots currently operate all week between 10 am and 9 pm. However, the company shares its robotic fleet with other partners, including 7-Eleven.
Although Serve did not specify its next target markets with the expanded Uber Eats partnership, the company is eyeing San Jose and Dallas. In addition, Serve also reportedly plans to branch out into Vancouver, Canada. The Los Angeles-based robotics company recently wrapped up pilots with Pizza Hut in Vancouver and Walmart (NYSE: WMT) in Arkansas. Although the companies involved did not reveal the deal’s value, Kashani said Serve runs a delivery-as-a-service business model. This means that the robotics platform receives payment on a per-delivery basis.
Serve Robotics
As a designer, developer, and operator of zero-emission public service robots, Serve has a fleet of Level 4 autonomous sidewalk bots. This operational designation means the machines can function adequately with minimal human intervention. Although tasks include driving competently in certain conditions, the bots require remote human supervision when encountering certain cases, including ongoing construction or police tapes. However, Kashani said Serve’s robots are capable of rerouting should they face pathway obstacles. The CEO also added that the robotics could avoid collision autonomously by predicting driver inattention. However, supervisors usually assist with street crossings.