FairPrice trials autonomous robots for on-demand delivery

The trial is limited to grocery delivery bought at a physical store.

FairPrice is working with Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to test the use of autonomous robots in providing on-demand deliveries in the country, IGD reported.

With this, shoppers can drop off their purchases at a concierge counter and continue shopping or dining. The robot will deliver the purchases at the time that the shopper chooses.

A mobile app will then notify the shopper when the robot is making the delivery and send a confirmation of arrival. When the shopper reaches home, they can unlock the robot with a QR code at the point of collection through the mobile app.

The trial is currently limited to a neighbourhood shopping complex in Punggol and the residential area nearby. The one-year trial will assess technologies such as AI for autonomous navigation, obstacle detection, and avoidance.

It will also assess the infrastructure such as communication systems and road networks, as well as business models for commercial viability.

Whilst the current trial is for grocery delivery purchased at a physical store, there are plans to roll out the service for online shopping. With this, a logistics company will deliver products ordered to dispatch hubs and schedule delivery times with shoppers.