Kiwibot partners with Careem to fulfill last-mile meal delivery

Kiwibot on a sidewalk
Kiwibot can safely navigate the sidewalk for last-mile delivery. | Image credit: Kiwibot

Kiwibot, a autonomous last-mile delivery solution, is announcing a partnership with Careem, an online fulfillment app for the greater Middle East region. In the announcement, Kiwibot will work with Careem to autonomously fulfill local orders in Dubai.

Kiwibot has already established operations in a variety of other cities around the world, but this is the first deployment in the middle east. Dubai is a well suited urban environment for Kiwibot operations. The city infrastructure includes wide sidewalks and consistent (albeit hot) weather. Kiwibots operate only on the sidewalk, and can actively avoid obstacles, including pedestrians.

Careem App screencap
The Careem smartphone app enables users to order and request delivery of any number of e-commerce and food items. | Image credit: Careem

The partnership also includes the Dubai’s Roads Transport Authority (RTA). Dubai RTA is onboard to help ensure the successful rollout of the delivery program and supports the pilot programs on the path to making Dubai a “smarter city”.

Kiwibot Careem deal
Executives from Careem and Kiwibot sign deal for operations in Dubai. | Image credit: Kiwibot

Kiwibot and Careem expect to bring sidewalk delivery to Dubai and study the feasibility of the market and assess the best geographical locations, which will include college campuses and highly dense residential areas. The project will start with the fulfillment of food and grocery items in residential areas within Dubai.

 

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Written by

Mike Oitzman

Mike Oitzman is Senior Editor of WTWH's Robotics Group, cohost of The Robot Report Podcast, and founder of the Mobile Robot Guide. Oitzman is a robotics industry veteran with 25-plus years of experience at various high-tech companies in the roles of marketing, sales and product management. He can be reached at moitzman@wtwhmedia.com.