Yango Group and Roots unveil autonomous delivery robots in Dubai’s Sobha Hartland
As a sustainable last-mile option
Yango Group, a Dubai-headquartered tech company, and Roots, a Dubai-based food tech and retail company, have launched a new operation at the Sobha Hartland community zone in Dubai City, one where autonomous delivery robots make grocery deliveries to customers within a two-kilometre radius of the zone.
The new service aims to enhance Roots’ last-mile grocery delivery in Sobha Harland, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional delivery methods.
The introduction of this autonomous delivery technology aligns with the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to transition 25% of transportation in the emirate to autonomous modes by 2030 and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30%.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has granted Yango Group a licence to operate an autonomous delivery robot service in Dubai emirate. This is part of the Authority’s commitment to advancing autonomous technologies and sustainable transportation solutions in the Arabian Gulf emirate.
Yango’s autonomous delivery robots can navigate sidewalks and deliver groceries in under 30 minutes. Equipped with a neural network that relies on sensors for safe and efficient navigation, the robots can recognise obstacles in their pathway, including pedestrians, traffic lights, and road signs, while continuously planning and adjusting their route to a Roots’ customer’s delivery location.
The six-wheel delivery robots feature a soft suspension system that enables them to climb curbs up to 10cm. Their cargo compartments have a capacity of 60 litres, which is ample space to accommodate groceries such as yogurt, milk bottles, fresh fruits, pre-packed salads, and ready-to-eat meals. The robots also maintain optimal temperature conditions for perishable items, ensuring fresh deliveries are made every time.
Customers can visit the Roots website (www.go-roots.ae), place their order, and select the robot delivery option during checkout. Once their order is ready, an autonomous delivery robot is dispatched to the customer’s location. Upon arrival, the customer receives a notification via WhatsApp, allowing them to open the delivery robot’s compartment to retrieve their order contents.
Florian Jansen, Founder of Roots, said: “We are thrilled to bring this innovative delivery solution to the Sobha Hartland community.” It’s a game-changer for local retail delivery, reducing delivery times, promoting sustainability, and providing people with an alternative way to access fresh, organic products.”
Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at Dubai’s RTA, noted: “Dubai is committed to fostering smart mobility solutions that improve urban living and prioritise sustainability. The deployment of self-driving delivery robots reflects our vision to create a seamless transportation system based on technology. This initiative contributes to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions and enhances last-mile logistics for residents and businesses.”
Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, added, “We are excited to collaborate with Roots and other local partners to advance autonomous delivery technology in Dubai. This service provides residents with an innovative and convenient way to receive their goods, and we look forward to expanding our presence in the city as part of Dubai’s push towards embracing autonomous transportation and sustainability.”
Yango Group has also launched Yango Tech, a B2B AI ecosystem that provides businesses with cutting-edge technological solutions. These solutions include Autonomy, an AI-powered platform designed to enhance logistics, reduce operational costs, and improve last-mile delivery efficiency.
Image: Yango Group, Roots and Dubai’s RTA representatives with two autonomous delivery robots outside a Roots outlet in Sobha Hartland. Credit: Yango Group
