Dubai-based retail giant Majid Al Futtaim has announced its collaboration with Yandex, one of the largest IT companies in Europe to explore autonomous technology solutions to enhance Carrefour’s last mile delivery capabilities.
The partnership will enable Carrefour to be the first omnichannel retailer to use self-driving robots for orders delivery in the region, a statement said.
The deal with Yandex, the co-winner of Dubai World Challenge for Self-Driving Transport, comes as Carrefour responds to a growing demand for online orders.
It said customers in selected neighbourhoods across the UAE could receive their online orders via Yandex autonomous delivery robots as part of the pilot program, which is set to launch in early 2022.
The partnership reimagines the integration of robots into daily life. Powered by Yandex autonomous vehicle technology, the company’s delivery robots can efficiently plan the safest route in real time, detect approaching vehicles and pedestrians, and travel at speeds of up to 8km/hr on sidewalks or other pedestrian areas.
Customers will also be able to track its movement in real time on the MAF Carrefour App.
Hani Weiss, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said: “Together with Yandex, and the ongoing support of the RTA, we are excited to explore this innovative new last mile solution to offer our customers greater flexibility, convenience and speed with their online orders.
“What was once considered science fiction, we are delighted that the wheels are in motion for Carrefour to start delivering orders via self-driving, fully automated robots.”
Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Yandex Self-Driving Group, added: “The demand for automated last-mile delivery continues to grow across the world. Not only businesses, but also cities and even whole states have now taken an interest in this technology.
“Autonomous delivery has the potential to improve the life for people in cities, while helping companies optimize their logistics and cut down the costs. Yandex robots have already delivered tens of thousands of orders in the USA and Russia.”
Majid Al Futtain said it has already launched several technologically advanced initiatives in 2021 including opening its Carrefour Automated-Fulfilment Centre and introducing Carrefour City+, the region’s first check-out-free store powered by artificial intelligence.
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