Grab is taking a clear step toward automation as it brings a Chinese robotics startup into its fold, aiming to rethink how packages move from hubs to doorsteps.
In December, Grab Holdings Ltd. completed the acquisition of Infermove, a young but fast-growing company focused on delivery robots and autonomous systems.
The acquisition adds robotics talent and technology to Grab’s delivery operations, with attention on both the first mile and the last mile of logistics
Infermove was founded in 2021 by Aaron Lu. The company started in a garage in Santa Clara before setting up research and manufacturing teams in Beijing and Suzhou.
It has since built robots designed for messy real-world settings rather than controlled test tracks. These include sidewalk delivery robots with arms that can handle objects and smaller mobility robots aimed at short-distance transport.
A key part of Infermove’s work comes from how it gathers data. Instead of relying only on simulations, the company trains its systems using real movement patterns from delivery riders and non-motorized vehicles such as electric scooters and wheelchairs.
This helps robots learn how humans actually move through crowded streets, narrow sidewalks, and unpredictable spaces.
Lu, before launching Infermove, led self-driving work at AutoX, now known as Tesor Auto. In 2020, his team developed one of the first Level 4 robotaxis approved for fully driverless use on public roads in California, a milestone reached by only a handful of players, including Waymo.
Despite its short history, Infermove has moved quickly. In China, its Carri series robots have partnered with major platforms and retailers, including Meituan, Alibaba’s Ele.me, Sam’s Club and JD.com’s Dada. The company has also launched pilot projects in markets such as Singapore, Japan and Australia
Financial disclosures show sharp growth as revenue rose from about RMB 100,000 in 2023 to roughly RMB 10 million in 2025. Infermove expects a much bigger jump in 2026, with more than 1,000 orders already lined up and projected revenue above RMB 200 million
The deal was announced during Grab’s global staff meeting in December. Chief technology officer Suthen Thomas introduced Infermove’s robots and praised how far the company had progressed in a short time.
Under the agreement, Infermove will continue to operate as an independent unit, with Lu reporting directly to Grab’s technology leadership.
Delivery demand across Southeast Asia remains strong, while labor costs continue to rise. Automation offers a way to keep services reliable without pushing costs too high.
The addition of Infermove is a strong sign that robots may soon become a familiar part of the delivery journey, quietly handling the final steps that often prove the hardest.
The development will face different conditions in the Philippines if deployed. Urban areas deal with heavy traffic, uneven sidewalks, and shared spaces used by pedestrians, vendors, and delivery riders.