The Sustainable City – Dubai, the region’s first fully sustainable community, has announced the launch of a pilot program for delivery robots in partnership with Dubai Future Labs and Lyve Global. Starting this month, three autonomous, on-demand delivery robots, developed by Dubai Future Labs, will begin operating within The Sustainable City. These robots will provide autonomous delivery services from restaurants and shops in the plaza area to residents, utilizing a smart interface powered by Lyve Global.

The unique pedestrianized, car-free design of The Sustainable City makes it well-suited for adopting autonomous technologies. The last-mile delivery robot pilot incorporates advanced robotic technology to enhance safety, cleanliness, and cost-efficiency, while reducing traffic, carbon emissions, and wait times.

Khalifa Al Qama, Director of Dubai Future Labs at Dubai Future Foundation, emphasized that this project marks a significant step forward in the development of robotics technologies for transportation, shipping, and logistics in Dubai. It reflects the city's commitment to using technology to drive innovation and improve quality of life.

Al Qama added, “These robots are designed for rapid product delivery within 30 minutes, equipped to navigate their surroundings safely and efficiently, and capable of locating charging stations without human intervention.”

He further stated that the introduction of these delivery robots supports the goals of the “Dubai Robotics and Automation Program,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in September 2022.

Fadi Alfaris, GM of NZE Solutions at SEE Holding, highlighted that the collaboration between sustainable communities and advanced technology has created an ideal testing ground for autonomous delivery robots. The car-free design of The Sustainable City offers a safe and controlled environment for testing these technologies, ensuring resident safety and optimal performance of the robots.

Alfaris also emphasized that The Sustainable City is future-ready, continually testing and adapting the latest technologies in sustainability to lead the way towards a net-zero emissions future.

Hassan Hallas, CEO of Lyve Global, expressed excitement about the partnership with Dubai Future Labs, stating that deploying these delivery robots is a significant step in revolutionizing logistics. The initiative underscores Lyve Global’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, paving the way for a smarter, more connected logistics future.

Developed locally by Dubai Future Labs’ team of roboticists and engineers, these robots feature a Fleet Management System with real-time tracking, a backend order fulfillment system by Lyve Global, and a secure delivery compartment accessible only by the customer.

These robots promise delivery times of under 30 minutes, navigating sidewalks independently, identifying charging stations, and requiring no human intervention.

This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader goal to make 25% of transportation trips autonomous by 2030 and supports the vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s smartest city.