Serve Robotics buys Vayu Robotics with focus on AI powered autonomous last mile deliveries
Serve Robotics, an autonomous sidewalk delivery company that was spun off from Uber in 2021, has acquired Vayu Robotics, a specialist in urban robot navigation using large scale AI models.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This will see Serve’s autonomy stack and real‑world sidewalk dataset combined with Vayu’s expertise in AI foundation models and its scalable simulation powered data engine.
“With this acquisition, Serve solidifies its leadership position, not just in current robotic delivery operations, but in shaping the future of autonomous robotic navigation. This step marks a significant milestone in our roadmap toward wide scale deployment of autonomous robots on sidewalks across the US, aligning with industry predictions of rapid robot adoption,” says Dr. Ali Kashani, CEO and Co-founder at Serve Robotics.
“Autonomy is critical to our long-term goal of bringing delivery costs down to $1, and these new capabilities will help us move faster.”
Big news: We've acquired @VayuRobotics!
— Serve Robotics (@ServeRobotics) August 18, 2025
Vayu’s team of visionary engineers, researchers, and business leaders join Serve with decades of experience developing and commercializing advanced technologies in vehicles and robotics.
Full announcement: https://t.co/gIHxcJn7AK pic.twitter.com/QSsjAEZ7jI
“We are thrilled to join the Serve team and apply our AI foundation model technology, talent and expertise to accelerating the development of their autonomous delivery platform,” says Anand Gopalan, CEO at Vayu Robotics.
“Serve is differentiated by unmatched operational depth, a proven ability to deploy robots at scale, and a relentless focus on driving down cost per delivery through autonomy. Combined with a strong balance sheet and a bold, clear eyed vision, it is uniquely positioned to lead the future of last mile logistics. We’re proud and excited to be building that future together.”
“AI models are driving a new class of robotics across a range of industries,” comments Vinod Khosla, Founder at Khosla Ventures. “We invested early in Vayu because last mile delivery stood out as one of the applications where autonomous delivery robots could create immense value. Today’s acquisition combines Vayu’s technological breakthroughs with Serve’s large footprint to accelerate faster, safer and more cost effective delivery.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”
He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”
“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”
Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.
For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.
Continue reading…