Last-mile delivery is one of the most expensive and inefficient parts of the global supply chain. While goods can travel across oceans for just a few dollars, getting them from a local hub to a customer’s door remains disproportionately costly.
In this episode of Automated, Brian Heater speaks with Ali Kashani, CEO of Serve Robotics, about the realities of deploying delivery robots in the real world and what it takes to scale autonomous systems beyond early pilots.
Ali explains how Serve Robotics evolved from an internal Postmates project into an independent company operating thousands of robots in live environments. This transition reflects a broader shift in robotics from controlled experimentation to real-world deployment at scale.
The conversation explores why building in the real world is essential for robotics. Lab environments often miss critical edge cases, while public deployment reveals the unpredictable human behavior, operational challenges, and environmental complexity that define real performance.
They also discuss the economic implications of reducing last-mile delivery costs. Lowering delivery from $10 to closer to $1 could unlock new demand, expand local economies, and create new categories of jobs that support and operate these systems.
The episode also examines safety, public perception, and the long-term impact of autonomous delivery on cities. From reducing reliance on cars to improving walkability and safety, these systems may reshape how urban environments function.
Brian and Ali also explore scaling challenges, lessons from acquisitions, and the operational realities of running thousands of robots in public. From unexpected real-world incidents to long-term infrastructure shifts, this conversation offers a grounded look at what it takes to bring robotics into everyday life.
We’d love to hear from you. Have thoughts or guest suggestions? Reach us at podcast@automate.org.
You can find the transcript and more episodes of Automated at automated.fm.
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