Singapore-based super-app Grab Holdings Ltd. has completed the acquisition of Beijing-based robotics start-up Infermove in a deal aimed at accelerating the company’s use of artificial intelligence-enabled robotics within its food delivery and logistics operations, according to Bloomberg and regional reports.
Grab said Infermove’s autonomous systems and robotics technology will strengthen its first- and last-mile delivery capabilities across Southeast Asia’s highly competitive on-demand delivery market. A company spokesperson noted the investment will also support the growth of Infermove’s operations and innovation pipeline.
Founded in 2021 by Aaron (Yingxiang) Lu and Yuhan Long, Infermove has developed a suite of mixed-road autonomous driving systems and delivery robots, including armless and single-arm units designed for urban and semi-urban environments. Prior to the acquisition, the firm had raised about $300,000 in angel funding and was valued at around $33 million in a 2024 partnership with a subsidiary of Tieda Technology.
Grab’s purchase reflects a broader strategic move toward automation and AI integration within its food delivery and logistics segments, as the company seeks to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional human-driven delivery methods. Industry observers have noted that robotics and autonomous systems could help trim costs and delivery times in dense urban markets where traffic and labour costs pose ongoing challenges.
The deal underscores Grab’s continued pivot from its ride-hailing roots toward becoming a diversified technology platform encompassing payments, grocery and food delivery, and other on-demand services. While Grab has not disclosed financial terms, CEO statements and regulatory filings confirm the acquisition’s strategic importance as the company positions itself for long-term growth in AI-driven logistics solutions.
Analysts say the integration of Infermove’s robotics technology into Grab’s ecosystem could set the stage for future autonomous delivery pilots, potentially reshaping service models across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and beyond.
Read more on Tech Gist Africa:
China’s Moonshot AI Nears Funding Round That Could Value Startup at About $4 Billion
Marvell Technology to Acquire Celestial AI in Deal Valued at About $2.35 Billion
Kaltura Acquires eSelf.ai in ~$27 Million Deal to Boost Conversational Avatar Capabilities
