Grab Holdings Ltd, the Singapore-based ride-hailing and delivery giant, has announced the acquisition of Infermove, a Chinese AI robotics firm. This strategic move, revealed during a global meeting in December, is set to bolster Grab’s automated delivery capabilities, particularly in the last-mile segment of its logistics operations.
Infermove, founded in 2021 by Aaron Lu, specialises in autonomous driving systems and mobile manipulation robots. The company’s innovative technologies, including pavement delivery robots and personal mobility robots, are designed to navigate complex real-world environments. Infermove’s proprietary Rider Shadow System allows for the efficient collection of training data, addressing industry challenges related to data acquisition.
The acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Grab’s service reliability and profit margins amidst rising labour costs and growing demand for on-demand deliveries. Infermove will continue to operate independently under Lu’s leadership, reporting directly to Grab’s Chief Technology Officer, Suthen Thomas.
Industry analysts highlight the rapid growth of the global last-mile delivery robotics market, projected to exceed $20b by 2027. This acquisition positions Grab to leverage AI-driven automation as a competitive advantage in the delivery sector.
Grab, which went public via a SPAC merger in 2021, continues to invest in technological advancements across its services. The integration of Infermove’s solutions is anticipated to complement Grab’s existing delivery network and support its expansion efforts in Southeast Asia and beyond.
