Grab is gearing up to introduce AI-powered robots in the near future to streamline the process of delivery drivers picking up meal orders from restaurants swiftly. The Co-founder and Group CEO of Grab, Anthony Tan, revealed that the robot, named “Carri,” is part of a series of AI-driven solutions showcased at GrabX 2026, the company’s annual event. Grab, renowned for its super app operational in Southeast Asia, provides various services like food and grocery deliveries, ride-hailing, and digital financial services.
“Carri” is constructed to support drivers rather than replace them, as emphasized by Tan during his presentation at GrabX 2026. Tan highlighted the challenges drivers face, such as spending approximately 10% of their earnings on locating restaurants in malls or waiting for customers in office buildings. The introduction of Carri aims to alleviate this issue by assisting drivers in locating restaurants and handing over orders, enabling them to swiftly proceed to subsequent tasks.
The current trend in venture funding gravitates towards physical AI technologies designed to navigate real-world settings, as reported by PYMNTS. Barclays recently noted that employing robots and drones could potentially lower food delivery expenses to as little as $1 per order. In conjunction with Carri, Grab introduced a total of 13 AI-driven services, catering to consumers, travelers, merchants, and drivers at GrabX 2026.
The consumer-centric offerings include Group Ride for cost-saving shared rides, GrabMore for combined delivery orders, Grab Shopping Agent for AI assistance, GrabMaps for Consumers integrating multiple tools, and Cash Loan for providing credit to consumers with limited financial histories. Travelers can benefit from Personalized Travel Experiences, GrabStays for hotel bookings, Discover by Grab for local restaurant guidance, and GrabPay for Travel to facilitate payments across Southeast Asia.
For merchants and drivers, Grab unveiled Virtual Store Manager for remote monitoring, Cloud Printer for automated order processing, Tap to Pay for contactless payment options, and Driver AI Assistant for addressing driver inquiries. Tan emphasized inclusivity in AI adoption, underlining the company’s commitment to ensuring accessibility to AI technologies for all individuals.
The ongoing developments in Grab’s AI integration underscore the company’s dedication to leveraging technology to enhance user experiences across various sectors. Subscribe to the PYMNTS AI Newsletter for comprehensive coverage on AI advancements in the industry.
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