By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
TechgoonduTechgoondu
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: In a Singapore mall, Grab powers up a robot for food deliveries
Share
Aa
TechgoonduTechgoondu
Aa
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
  • PC
  • Telecom
Search
  • Audio-visual
  • Enterprise
    • Software
    • Cybersecurity
  • Gaming
  • Imaging
  • Internet
  • Media
  • Mobile
    • Cellphones
    • Tablets
  • PC
  • Telecom
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Techgoondu > Blog > Enterprise > In a Singapore mall, Grab powers up a robot for food deliveries
EnterpriseInternet

In a Singapore mall, Grab powers up a robot for food deliveries

Alfred Siew
Last updated: May 20, 2021 at 9:18 AM
Alfred Siew Published May 20, 2021
4 Min Read
SHARE
A concept of how the robot runner would look in the PLQ mall in Singapore. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: Grab handout

Don’t be surprised to see a cupboard on wheels moving on its own when you next visit Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ), because the mall has teamed up with Grab Singapore to launch a robot runner to collect and carry food deliveries from eateries there.

Come June, the autonomous robot will consolidate orders across several restaurants within the mall before handing them off to delivery partners at a central collection point for last-mile delivery.

This way, riders won’t have to dash across the mall to collect orders, Grab said yesterday, adding that this pilot service will shave off between five and 15 minutes for deliveries.

The robot runner will come in handy for new “mix and match” orders that Grab recently introduced.

This service allows customers to order from multiple eateries at a mall or hawker centre for a single fee, but it also means a delivery rider or driver has to rush to multiple locations to collect the orders.

At PLQ, the robot runner will help with that part of the job, according to Grab, which believes this will help it improve the delivery experience.

Just to make sure it doesn’t bump into people in the mall, the robot is fitted with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors to detect incoming obstacles.

While it is moving around, an automated voice message alerts shoppers of its presence. Plus, it can scan and monitor its immediate proximity in real-time to avoid sudden obstacles and prevent collision, Grab has promised.

To make sure that a passer-by doesn’t take a swipe at the food in the robot, it comes fitted with a combination lock. Only participating merchants and Grab staff manning the collection point can open it.

Besides faster deliveries, the robot made by a firm called Techmetics Robotics also means less person-to-person interactions during the current coronavirus pandemic.

“With a central location for Grab riders to pick up orders and the use of technology to manage logistics workflow, we will be able to minimise people-to-people contact and do our part to safeguard the well-being of riders, tenants and customers,” said Audrey Balakrishnan, general manager for PLQ.

At least one eatery – a bubble tea chain – seems happy with the introduction of a robot runner.

Gong Cha chief executive Kang Puay Seng said it could help with the mix-and-mix service, which attracts more people to buy bubble cup as part of their other food orders.

Of course, how well the robot performs will depend on how well the food is delivered to the customer. How does it go up and down the multiple storeys in a mall and not spill a drink, for example?

At least for now, it will serve only merchants in basement two of the mall, ferrying approximately more than 250 orders per day, Grab says.

And for a start, Grab staff member will also guide the robot on its ideal route. This will allow it to learn and adapt in a controlled setting.

Just like humans, it also has a probation period. After a month, Grab will assess the robot’s performance and viability before expanding the service to other locations.

You Might Also Like

Beyond polls and editable messages, a few WhatsApp privacy, migration features we truly need

Submarine cable landings to double in Singapore in ambitious blueprint to stay ahead digitally

The best of Taiwanese innovation in cloud, AI, rollable screens and more at Asia Tech x Singapore

The mission-critical role of software testing in the space gold rush

Q&A: Cloud complexity is giving businesses headaches but AI will help, says NetApp

TAGGED: AI, food delivery, Grab, PLQ, robotics

Sign up for the TG newsletter

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Alfred Siew May 20, 2021
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link Print
Share
Avatar photo
By Alfred Siew
Follow:
Alfred is a writer, speaker and media instructor who has covered the telecom, media and technology scene for more than 20 years. Previously the technology correspondent for The Straits Times, he now edits the Techgoondu.com blog and runs his own technology and media consultancy.
Previous Article Nearly half of Singapore workforce want to resign out of work exhaustion: Microsoft study
Next Article Q&A: Digital payment, accounting tools help Zairyo ride e-commerce wave
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Stay Connected

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow

Latest News

Beyond polls and editable messages, a few WhatsApp privacy, migration features we truly need
Internet Software June 7, 2023
Submarine cable landings to double in Singapore in ambitious blueprint to stay ahead digitally
Enterprise Internet Telecom June 6, 2023
Garmin Forerunner 965 review: Fully packed for serious fitness buffs
Mobile June 5, 2023
The best of Taiwanese innovation in cloud, AI, rollable screens and more at Asia Tech x Singapore
Audio-visual Enterprise Software June 5, 2023
//

Techgoondu.com is published by Goondu Media Pte Ltd, a company registered and based in Singapore.

.

Started in June 2008 by technology journalists and ex-journalists in Singapore who share a common love for all things geeky and digital, the site now includes segments on personal computing, enterprise IT and Internet culture.

banner banner
Everyday DIY
PC needs fixing? Get your hands on with the latest tech tips
READ ON
banner banner
Leaders Q&A
What tomorrow looks like to those at the leading edge today
FIND OUT
banner banner
Advertise with us
Discover unique access and impact with TG custom content
SHOW ME

 

 

POWERED BY READYSPACE
The Techgoondu website is powered by and managed by Readyspace Web Hosting.

TechgoonduTechgoondu
Follow US
© 2023 Goondu Media Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms of Use | Advertise | About Us | Contact
Join Us!

Never miss anything again. Get the latest news and analysis in your inbox.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
 

Loading Comments...
 

    Welcome Back!

    Sign in to your account

    Lost your password?