Grab's Robots: Delivering the Future?

Grab is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence and robotics to streamline its delivery operations throughout Southeast Asia. CEO Anthony Tan revealed the company is investing in autonomous robots, such as the "Carri" model, designed to navigate large shopping malls.

These robots are intended to collect customer orders directly from stores. This capability aims to save delivery drivers valuable time, as they currently spend approximately 10% of their earning potential searching for restaurants or customer locations within vast mall complexes. The goal is to improve response times and enable drivers to complete more deliveries.

The company, co-founded by Tan in 2012, has expanded to operate in eight countries and is listed on the Nasdaq. Grab achieved its first annual net profit in 2025 and views itself as a data science company, leveraging data from billions of rides and orders. This AI strategy is also supporting a stable headcount while reducing operational costs.

Grab's technological advancements include products like the Cloud Printer for kitchens and exploration of AI voice assistants for merchants. Furthermore, the company acquired Infermove, the developer of the Carri robots, in January. Grab is also piloting self-driving cars in Singapore with Chinese firm WeRide. Tan emphasizes that "people with AI will replace people without AI," highlighting the integration of humans and AI as a critical future direction for the company.