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Avride’s sidewalk delivery bots land in Japan
Avride, an Austin-based autonomous vehicle startup, has launched its sidewalk delivery bots in central Tokyo through a partnership with Rakuten. This expansion follows the company's certification process and builds on its existing operations in South Korea and the US. Initially deploying 10 robots, Avride aims to grow its operations while continuing partnerships with major firms like Uber.
Key points
- Avride has partnered with Rakuten to deliver restaurant orders and groceries in Tokyo.
- The startup is a spinout from Yandex, which sold its Russian operations in 2024.
- Avride currently operates a sidewalk delivery service in Seoul and tests autonomous vehicles with safety drivers.
- The company has created a small scale operation in Japan, launching with 10 robots but plans to expand.
- Avride has secured partnerships with major corporations including Uber, enhancing its service footprint in the US.
Why it matters
- The rise of autonomous delivery solutions reflects the 2025 IT trend of increasing automation in logistics.
- Partnerships with large e-commerce platforms signify a shift towards integrated delivery services in urban areas.
- The certification and operational expansion in Japan align with global trends in autonomous vehicle implementation, emphasizing increased safety and efficiency.
Avride's launch in Japan exemplifies the growing integration of autonomous technology in delivery services, powered by strategic partnerships, setting the stage for future expansions in significant markets.