Image: Avride
Austin-based robot delivery company Avride will soon be delivering restaurant takeaway orders and groceries in Tokyo, Japan.
The announcement from Avride is in partnership with Japanese tech company Rakuten, who began robotic delivery pilot programs in 2019.
Harumi and parts of Kachidoki and Tsukishima in central Tokyo will be the launch area for Avride’s first deployment of autonomous delivery robots in Japan.
Hideaki Mukai, Executive Officer at Rakuten Group, said:
“Amid labor shortages in Japan’s delivery industry, we are witnessing increasing demand for reliable and convenient delivery solutions. We are delighted to collaborate with Avride to further expand our autonomous delivery service here in Japan.”
Avride have already been operating in Northeast Asia for several years, starting with South Korea.
To meet growing demand for autonomous delivery and enhance the service, Rakuten has introduced these robots from Avride to its existing fleet.
Toby Snuggs, Global Commercial Director at Avride, said:
“By introducing our autonomous delivery robots, we aim to contribute to the convenience of Japanese society while advancing innovation in logistics.”
Avride autonomous delivery robots are equipped with sensors and algorithms, leveraging the advanced solutions used in the company’s robotaxis.
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