Grab, a leading delivery platform in Southeast Asia, is bringing robotics in-house through the acquisition of Infermove. The goal is to address rising labor costs and tightening delivery margins. ## Targeted Automation to Optimize Deliveries Instead of relying on off-the-shelf systems, Grab is internally developing Infermove's technology, which is designed to learn from real-world data, including information generated by non-motorized vehicles. This allows robots to be trained on how to navigate sidewalks, crossings, and crowded drop-off points, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Automation is not intended to replace human couriers, but to support them in specific segments, such as the first and last mile, where tasks are repetitive and distances are short. In these areas, robots can help manage demand spikes, reduce delays, and ease pressure during labor shortages. ## Strategic Control and Flexibility Internalizing robotics development gives Grab greater control over deployment pace, operating scope, and cost trade-offs. It also reduces long-term dependence on external vendors. The company will continue to operate independently, with its founder reporting directly to Grab's CTO. The integration of AI and robotics into core operations is a growing trend among large digital platforms. This approach makes it possible to improve service levels without affecting profitability, especially in a context of rising costs and ever-increasing customer expectations. ## Challenges and Future Prospects Despite forecasts of growth in the last-mile delivery robotics sector, the main challenge remains reducing cost per delivery without introducing new failure points. Weather conditions, local regulations, and customer acceptance will continue to influence the implementation of automation. Expanding into different countries adds further complexity, due to different infrastructures and regulations. The acquisition of Infermove represents a strategic move to strengthen the link between AI, data, and physical operations, a key factor for the sustainable growth of companies based on logistics and mobility.