Success Story: Serve Robotics

NOTE: Let me feed you some info about Serve Robotics. Founded in 2017 as the robotics division of Postmates – and spun off into an independent company in 2021 – Serve Robotics is shaping the future of sustainable delivery. The company designs, develops and operates zero-emission robots that serve people in public spaces, starting with food delivery.

Earlier this year the company closed a US$13mn funding round that included money from Uber and 7 Ventures, the venture capital arm of 7-Eleven.

Thank you for the information about Serve Robotics. It is interesting to know that Serve Robotics was founded in 2017 as the robotics division of Postmates and was later spun off into an independent company in 2021. The company's focus on sustainable delivery is noteworthy, as it designs, develops and operates zero-emission robots that serve people in public spaces, starting with food delivery.

It is also worth noting that Serve Robotics closed a US$13mn funding round earlier this year, with notable investors such as Uber and 7 Ventures, the venture capital arm of 7-Eleven. This suggests that Serve Robotics is receiving strong support from key players in the transportation and retail industries, which could help the company expand its reach and accelerate its growth.

What can you tell me about sustainable delivery?

Sustainable delivery is a method of transportation and logistics that aims to reduce the environmental impact of delivery services. This can be achieved through various means, such as using electric or hybrid vehicles, using bicycles or other non-motorized modes of transport, and utilizing zero-emission robots, among others.

One of the main benefits of sustainable delivery is that it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants that are harmful to the environment and public health. This can help mitigate climate change and improve air quality in cities and urban areas.

In addition, sustainable delivery can also help reduce traffic congestion and noise pollution, as well as improve the overall efficiency of delivery operations. This can lead to cost savings for businesses and better quality of life for people living in cities.

Overall, sustainable delivery is becoming increasingly important as consumers and businesses alike become more conscious of their environmental impact and seek out more sustainable transportation and logistics solutions.

How do you see the future of sustainable delivery?

The future of sustainable delivery looks promising, as there is growing demand from consumers, businesses, and governments for more environmentally-friendly transportation and logistics solutions.

In the coming years, we can expect to see a continued shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles for last-mile delivery, as well as the development and deployment of zero-emission delivery drones and robots like those being developed by Serve Robotics.

In addition, there is likely to be increased use of alternative modes of transport, such as bicycles and e-bikes, as well as innovative solutions like urban delivery hubs and micro-consolidation centers, which can help reduce the number of delivery vehicles on the road and improve overall efficiency.

Governments are also likely to play a larger role in promoting sustainable delivery, through policies and incentives that encourage the adoption of zero-emission vehicles, promote cycling and walking, and support the development of new technologies and infrastructure.

Overall, the future of sustainable delivery is likely to be characterized by a combination of technological innovation, regulatory support, and changing consumer and business preferences, all aimed at reducing the environmental impact of transportation and logistics while improving efficiency and affordability.

Who are the main players in the sustainable delivery market?

The sustainable delivery market is a rapidly growing and evolving industry, with many players from a variety of sectors and industries. Some of the key players in this market include:

1. Delivery companies: Companies such as UPS, DHL, and FedEx are all investing heavily in sustainable delivery solutions, including electric and hybrid vehicles, alternative fuel sources, and innovative delivery methods like drone and robot delivery.
2. E-commerce companies: Online retailers like Amazon and Alibaba are also investing in sustainable delivery solutions, such as electric delivery vans and cargo bikes, to reduce their environmental impact and improve delivery efficiency.
3. Automotive manufacturers: Companies such as Tesla, Ford, and General Motors are developing electric and hybrid delivery vehicles for both consumer and commercial use, while also investing in infrastructure like charging stations and battery technology.
4. Tech companies: Companies like Alphabet's Waymo, Uber, and Serve Robotics are developing autonomous delivery vehicles and robots that can operate without human drivers, while also reducing the environmental impact of delivery services.
5. Governments: Many national and local governments are also investing in sustainable delivery solutions, such as bike lanes, public charging stations, and regulatory incentives for zero-emission vehicles, to support the growth of this industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, the sustainable delivery market is a dynamic and diverse industry, with many players working to reduce the environmental impact of delivery services and improve efficiency and affordability for businesses and consumers alike.

Can you give examples of successful sustainable delivery projects?

Certainly, here are some examples of successful sustainable delivery projects:

1. UPS electric delivery trucks: UPS has been working to electrify its delivery fleet since 2009 and has invested heavily in electric vehicles in recent years. The company currently operates over 12,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles worldwide, including over 1,000 electric delivery trucks in the US and Europe.
2. DHL StreetScooter: In 2014, DHL began developing its own electric delivery vehicle, the StreetScooter, in response to the lack of suitable electric delivery vehicles on the market. The company has since deployed thousands of StreetScooters across Germany and other European countries, helping to reduce emissions and improve efficiency.
3. Amazon delivery drones: Amazon has been developing delivery drones since 2013 and has made significant progress in testing and refining the technology. The company recently received FAA approval to begin testing drone deliveries in the US, with the goal of eventually using drones to deliver packages in under 30 minutes.
4. Zalando bike courier service: In 2019, the online fashion retailer Zalando launched a bike courier service in Amsterdam to provide more sustainable and efficient delivery options for customers. The service uses cargo bikes to deliver packages within a 2.5 km radius of the city center, reducing emissions and traffic congestion.
5. London Ultra Low Emission Zone: In 2019, the city of London launched the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), a zone in the city center where vehicles must meet strict emissions standards or pay a daily charge. The ULEZ has been successful in reducing air pollution and encouraging the adoption of low-emission vehicles, including for delivery services.

These are just a few examples of successful sustainable delivery projects, which demonstrate the growing importance of sustainability in the transportation and logistics industry.

Peter Auwerx, chatting with chatGPT