The startup assault on neighborhood stores continues to intensify. First there was Bodega, the terribly named, and most misguided startup with its aim to bring the non-perishable necessities available in corner stores to the masses.
Now, there’s Robomart, which wants to bring groceries, baked goods, and prepared supermarket foods straight to your door. A ten-year vision from founder Ali Ahmed, Robomart is an autonomous grocery store department on wheels.
Robomart is the serial entrepreneur’s latest idea. Ahmed, who first thought of the rolling grocery store concept while working at Unilever 10 years ago, went on to found Lutebox, which was based around the social sharing of media content.
From Lutebox, Ahmed moved on to the now-defunct Dispatch – a service where users could get almost anything they wanted for a fee. At the height of its powers, Dispatch had 1,500 deliverers and they were receiving most orders from people who wanted their groceries delivered.
After investors bought Ahmed out of Dispatch, he moved to Santa Clara, California. To start working on Robomart.
Ahmed says that, “I believe we’re creating a new category. We think we’re competing with the sidewalk robots. However, he is really competing with the corner store – which offers the same goods with the argument of proximity and convenience.
Just like sidewalk robots are being met with some friction in California, Robomart is also expecting some tough times. Traffic and parking are probably going to be some of their biggest problems.
While Ahmed argues that his autonomous delivery vehicles could be purchased by a collective of local stores to compete with the big box retailers, the likelihood is that it will be these big companies that will buy them.
Customers would license the platform and vehicle on a 24-month lease. Ahmed says that “it’s significantly cheaper than setting up a new store, and customers can shop for goods without pre-ordering.”
The interiors of these vehicles come equipped with either a heating or refrigeration system, and Ahmed has talked to wholesalers about equipping the trucks so that they mimic certain area of a grocery aisle – from dairy to meat, to vegetables.
The company is in the process of building prototypes through partnerships with Corbin, the developer of a prototype electric vehicle in 1996, and Hevo Power – a wireless charging startup for electric vehicles which has yet to deliver a product to market.
These are not partners that instill the most confidence in the operation’s success, but Ahmed claims that he’s in discussions with food wholesalers and big-box retailers about the development of these vehicles for the road.
When they are finally rolled out, Ahmed says that they will be completely autonomous. The company aims to license the technology to grocery stores – providing them with the Robomart vehicle, a wireless charger, and an autonomous fleet management and on-demand ordering system designed by Robomart’s team of three engineers.
Source: techcrunch
These Cases Were Cold... Until Science Cracked Them
Technology and science aren't always about the future. Take a look at these cold cases that were solved only thanks to the advances of science.
Winter Hikers, Gather Round for the Best Tip of the Season
Here's how advanced snow hikers layer clothing in the winter.
4 Chrome Address Bar Icons and Their Hidden Meaning
Chrome address bar icons have plenty of hidden features that you may not be aware of. Let’s find out more about them.
Whoa! I Can't Believe Technology Has Gone So Far...
From vending machines that dispense cars to mind-reading sleep devices, these complex inventions will blow any tech-enthusiast away!
These High-Tech Foods Look Set to Change the World
Many amazing solutions are being invented in order to solve the problem of being able of feeding the globe's ever-increasing population. Take a look.
Self-Driving Scooters Are Here! Would You Get on One?
We have had autonomous cars for a while now, so what's next? Autonomous scooters, of course!
9 UNBELIEVABLE Ice Science Tricks That'l Amaze You
Prepare to be amazed as ice takes center stage in these mind-boggling and unconventional science experiments.
Revolutionize Your Green Space: 12 Cool Garden Gadgets
Take your garden to the next level with the amazingly cool inventions and gadgets.
Behind the Scenes of the Human-Like Atlas Robot
In this video, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the development of the incredible Atlas robot.
6 Remarkable Yet Overlooked Minds That Shaped Our World
These underappreciated geniuses deserve more recognition.
Get a Sense of Scale of Just How Big SpaceX's Rockets Are
SpaceX is achieving incredible things in space, however it's difficult to picture just how big their rockets are. Take a look...
Experience the True Scale of Heavenly Bodies
Witness the true scale of planets, stars and galaxies in this incredible video that sheds light on size in our universe.
Whatever Happened to that Hole in the Ozone Layer?
Let's embark on this enlightening journey to better understand our atmosphere's health.
These Are the Miracles That Happen in Our Bodies Every Day
There is a lot that happens inside our bodies every single day. Did you know any of these facts?
24 Confusing Optical Illusions Explained - Fascinating!
How do our eyes fool the brain? Let's find out as a neuroscientist explains the truth behind the most confusing optical illusions.
I Bet You Didn't Have a Clue About These Human Body Facts!
The human body is the most complex machine known to mankind, but I bet you don't know these 10 amazing facts about it...
How To Be Sure Your Dog Adores You
10 scientific ways to know if your dog loves you
Future Technology: Inventions That Will Change Our World
Check out a few amazing futuristic inventions that are about to become mainstream.
I Never Knew These Stunning Facts About Our Universe
If you thought you understood the universe, you'll be completely floored by this insane facts.
Take an Incredible Tour of Our Colossal Milky Way Galaxy
Fly Through the Milky Way Galaxy!
Scientists Develop 'Flying Dragon' Robot to Fight Fires
Scientists in Japan have created a water-spitting 'flying dragon' robot to fight fires.
12 Mind-Blowing Archaeological Discoveries Of 2022
Archaeologists made some remarkable discoveries in 2022. Here is a look at the most fascinating ones.
The Disappearing Computer: Revolution on a Personal Scale
What happens when we lose the physical large computer all together? This lecture explains what ahead for computers.
Science Lesson: How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?
How laser removal of tattoos actually works. These guys are going to find out and explain it to us.
Ever Wonder What Life Is Like if We Zoom In All the Way?
A selection of some of the winning photographs from Nikon's yearly macro photography contest.
Why is Everyone Obsessed with This Weight-Loss Tool?
Ozempic has been touted as a wonder drug for weight loss in recent months. But what's the real truth behind it?
What is Your Consciousness? A Remarkable Video...
This video by Ted-ed searches to explain the origin of consciousness as well as what is consciousness.
20 Incredible Inventions That We Have Completely Lost
Here are some of the most amazing ideas and inventions we have ever seen. But, sadly, all of them have been lost to science in the mysterious mists of history.
These Expensive Megaprojects Proved to be a Waste of Time
Not all megaprojects are useful. Here are some worthless ones.
What Would You Do if You Had an Extra Thumb?
This revolutionary invention has the potential to revolutionize the field of prosthetics.
WHY is Sugar So Devilishy Addictive?
There seems to be a fascinating scientific explanation for why our will power is weak when it comes to sugar!
What Does the Appendix Actually DO?
Dr. Berg explains, in this video, all about the appendix and what it actually does in our body.
The Channel Tunnel - The 7th Wonder of the Modern World!
The construction of the Channel Tunnel is said to be an impossible feat!
17 Experiments That Produced Very Bizarre Results...
Take a look at this collection of photos showing how common people performed some fascinating accidental scientific experiments.
How Do the Drugs We Take Affect Our Brain?
We take many pills these days. What is it exactly that they DO to our brain? Find out now.
This South African Plant May be the New Cannabis
Is this plant the new cannabis? What will the woolly umbrella plant do for medicine?
The Oldest Medicines That Have Stood the Test of Time
Learn about some fascinating old medicine and general healing practices that have survived for thousands of years.
6 Signs That Someone is Listening on Your Cellphone Calls!
With technology advancing all the time, there is the ever-increasing chance of our phones being tapped. Here are 6 signs that your phone could be tapped.
Remembering the Life and Wisdom of Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking possessed one of the greatest minds the world has ever seen, but was also impaired by a debilitating disease. Here are his life ant times.
What Metals Do We Mine the Most? This Graph Shows All!
Did you know the world mined 2.8 billion tonnes of metals in 2021? Let’s discover what metals we mined the most.
Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid? This Will Surprise You!
If you use a smartphone you need to see this!
Discover How Anesthesia Affects Your Body and Mind
If you were ever curious about how exactly anesthesia works, then this video has all the answers!
Science Breakthrough: An Immunization Against Skin Cancer?
This scientific breakthrough offers hope for those who are struggling with skin cancer. You are now invited to discover more about this revolutionary vaccine.
5 Robotics Trends Anticipated in 2024
What does 2024 have in store for the field of robotics?
20 Amazingly Simple Inventions That Make Life Easier
Some wonderful inventions can fix some of the most annoying little problems that bug us every single day. Here are 20 of the most inventive ideas I've ever seen that I can't believe no one has invented before.
Erecting a Behemoth: Installation of an Offshore Oilrig
How do they install an offshore oilrig? This video will show you, step by step, how it is done.
The McGurk Effect - Don't Believe Your Eyes!
What we hear can be affected by what we see...