Southeast Asian superapp Grab is significantly expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities with the acquisition of AI robotics firm Infermove and the upcoming deployment of its own AI-powered delivery robot, “Carri.” This strategic move aims to enhance delivery efficiency, reduce driver idle time, and bolster the company’s position in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape.
Grab is preparing to introduce “Carri,” an AI-powered robot designed to streamline the delivery process. According to Grab Co-founder and Group CEO Anthony Tan, drivers currently lose approximately 10% of their earning time searching for restaurants within complex locations like malls or waiting for customers. Carri is intended to alleviate this by autonomously locating restaurants and facilitating quicker order handoffs to drivers, allowing them to move on to their next job more rapidly. This development is part of Grab’s broader strategy to leverage AI and robotics to optimize its extensive delivery network across Southeast Asia.
The acquisition of Infermove, a Chinese company specializing in AI robotics, is a cornerstone of Grab’s automation push. Infermove brings expertise in mobile manipulation, imitation learning, and a unique crowdsourced data pipeline known as the “Rider Shadow System.” This system collects real-world data from mobility devices, accelerating the training of AI models for navigating complex, unstructured environments. The integration of Infermove’s technology is expected to significantly enhance Grab’s ability to develop and deploy sophisticated autonomous delivery robots capable of handling last-mile logistics challenges.
At its GrabX 2026 event, Grab showcased a comprehensive array of 13 AI-powered features designed to benefit various user segments. For consumers, new offerings include “Group Ride” for cost-sharing, “GrabMore” for consolidated deliveries, and an enhanced “Grab AI Assistant.” Travelers can expect “Personalised Travel Experiences” and improved booking services. Merchants and drivers will benefit from tools like “Virtual Store Manager” and “Driver AI Assistant.” These innovations underscore Grab’s commitment to making AI accessible and beneficial to all its stakeholders.
Industry analysts suggest that the last-mile robotics delivery market holds significant potential, with projections estimating its value to reach $20 billion by 2027. Grab’s proactive investment in AI and robotics, coupled with its established operational scale in Southeast Asia, positions it favorably to capture a substantial share of this growing market. The company’s focus on embodied intelligence aims to reduce last-mile costs and improve delivery throughput, potentially leading to significant cost savings and enhanced customer experiences.