Yango Group and ROOTS to launch autonomous robots in Dubai

Yango Group, a global technology company, has partnered with ROOTS, a food tech and retail company, to introduce autonomous robots for last-mile delivery of groceries in Dubai.

The service, which is set to launch today in Sobha Hartland, comes after Yango Group received a license from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to operate this cutting-edge technology in specific areas of the city.

The autonomous robots, designed to navigate independently, are equipped with advanced technologies to plan their routes, avoid obstacles, and yield to pedestrians.

The robots are capable of delivering orders within a radius  of two kilometres in less than 30 minutes, ensuring efficient and timely service. The robots use a high-precision city map to assist with navigation and employ neural networks to identify traffic signals, road signs, and other critical objects along their path.

The robots are also equipped with a soft suspension system and six driving wheels, allowing them to climb curbs up to 10 centimetres high, making them adaptable to various urban terrains.

With a 60-litre cargo compartment, the robots can carry a range of grocery items, including bottles, fresh fruits, and pre-packed meals, while maintaining proper temperature conditions to ensure product quality.

Customers can place their orders through the ROOTS website and select the robot delivery option at checkout. Once the order is ready, the autonomous robot will be dispatched to the customer’s location. Upon arrival, customers will receive a notification via WhatsApp to collect their items.

The robots are designed to operate in the region’s diverse weather conditions, making them ideal for the Middle East’s unique climate. This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader efforts to implement its Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy, which aims to transition 25% of all transportation to autonomous modes by 2030, while also reducing CO₂ emissions by 30%.

This collaboration between Yango Group and ROOTS marks a significant step toward the future of delivery services in Dubai, aligning with the city’s goal of becoming a leader in autonomous transportation.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, chief executive officer of The Public Transport Agency, said: “Dubai is committed to promoting smart mobility solutions that improve urban life and prioritise sustainability.

“Thus, the introduction of self-driving delivery robots reflects the Authority’s vision of building a seamless transportation system based on modern technology, which effectively contributes to reducing congestion and the resulting carbon emissions, and also contributes to improving last-mile logistics services for the benefit of residents and businesses alike.”