Serve Robotics has announced a significant milestone in autonomous delivery, completing one of the first Level 4 autonomous deliveries. This achievement signifies a major step forward for the company and the broader autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, demonstrating the readiness of sidewalk delivery robots for complex urban environments.
The company’s robots are engineered with a strong emphasis on safety, utilizing multiple redundant systems for crucial navigation functions. This includes a diverse suite of sensors – active sensors like lidar and ultrasonics, and passive sensors such as cameras – allowing the robots to navigate busy city sidewalks safely and efficiently. Serve Robotics’ accomplishment is underpinned by the development of advanced capabilities, including automatic emergency braking, vehicle collision avoidance, and fail-safe mechanical braking.
Dr. Ali Kashani, co-founder and CEO of Serve Robotics, expressed his pride in this achievement: “I’m proud that Serve Robotics has achieved Level 4 autonomy, which further enhances public safety by significantly reducing the potential for human error. This milestone begins to unlock the full potential of robotic delivery.” He further emphasized the broader industry impact, stating, “This technical and commercial milestone is an achievement for the entire AV industry, and accelerates our mission to make delivery more accessible and sustainable.”
Key technology partnerships have been instrumental in Serve Robotics’ breakthrough. NVIDIA, with its Jetson platform designed for autonomous machines, provides the AI computing power necessary for Serve robots to process and understand their surroundings in real-time. Ouster’s lidar sensors offer compact, energy-efficient sensing technology, crucial for the robots’ reliable self-driving capabilities.
Murali Gopalakrishna, Head of Product Management, Autonomous Machines and GM for Robotics at NVIDIA, commented on the achievement: “Serve Robotics’ accomplishment represents a breakthrough for commercial deployment of AV technology for sidewalk delivery. We look forward to Serve continuing to leverage the NVIDIA Jetson edge AI and Isaac robotics platforms to further advance their technological lead.”
Angus Pacala, CEO of Ouster, also lauded the partnership: “Serve Robotics has achieved a major breakthrough for the AV industry and for sidewalk delivery. Ouster is pleased to partner with Serve as they continue to scale and bring lidar-powered Level 4 autonomy to doorsteps across the U.S.”
Having already completed tens of thousands of deliveries in Los Angeles, Serve Robotics is poised for expansion. Their next-generation fleet of robots will support the company’s rollout of delivery services for Uber Eats and other partners in new locations throughout 2022 and beyond.
About Serve Robotics
Serve Robotics is at the forefront of sustainable, self-driving delivery solutions. The company focuses on designing, developing, and operating zero-emission robots intended for public spaces, initially concentrating on food delivery. Originating in 2017 as the robotics division of Postmates, Serve Robotics aimed to create a robotic delivery experience that is customer-friendly, enhances merchant reliability, and eliminates vehicle emissions. Since becoming an independent entity in February 2021, and backed by investors including Uber and 7-Eleven, Serve Robotics continues to expand its commercial partnerships and platform, building upon its success in completing thousands of contactless deliveries in Los Angeles and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.serverobotics.com.
