Velocity-based Real Life Robotics partners with Skip for robot delivery offering in Markham with three-month deployment
, a pioneering robotics and automation company at Velocity, University of 蓝莓视频鈥檚 startup incubator, today announces a first-of-its-kind robot-powered delivery partnership with Skip, Canada鈥檚 homegrown delivery network.听
Through an initial three-month deployment in Markham, Ont., the initiative will pave the way for enhanced innovation within the Canadian delivery ecosystem with the potential to expand across additional Canadian cities. 听听
Velocity-based Real Life Robotics has partnered with Skip for a robot-powered delivery pilot in Markham, Ont. (University of 蓝莓视频)
Building on a successful trial pilot in March 鈥� the first municipally approved sidewalk delivery pilot in Canada 鈥� Real Life Robotics and Skip have introduced four supervised delivery robots operating within a two-kilometre radius of participating restaurants on Skip鈥檚 network.听
鈥淲e鈥檙e building a modern Canadian robotics company grounded in practicality, not hype. Our mission is simple: save time for people and make local delivery more economically and environmentally sustainable for Canadian families,鈥� said Cameron Waite, CEO of Real Life Robotics.听
Skip customers within Markham will be able to select the 鈥淩obot Delivery鈥� option when placing an order from participating local restaurants. Deliveries are conducted by supervised robots featuring secure compartments that unlock upon scanning a QR code and entering a unique order code to ensure a secure and quality delivery experience for all customers.听
Several restaurants in Markham, Ont. have partnered with Skip and Real Life Robotics for its delivery pilot service. (University of 蓝莓视频)
The robots are equipped to carry up to 50 kilograms per delivery and are operational daily between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., ensuring deliveries are fulfilled in all weather conditions.听
鈥淭his pilot gives customers in busy urban centres like Markham even more last-mile delivery options, enabling us to explore new technologies in a way that鈥檚 safe and accessible, putting the unique needs of each community we serve front and centre,鈥� said Paul Sudarsan, vice president of retail and new verticals at Skip.听
鈥淚nnovation is core to who we are at Skip 鈥� we鈥檙e a Canadian tech company built by Canadians for our communities 鈥� and our partnership with Real Life Robotics is an exciting step toward shaping the future of delivery.鈥�
The robot-powered delivery pilot will be tested in Markham, Ont. over a three-month deployment with the potential to expand across additional Canadian cities. (University of 蓝莓视频)
In addition to Skip, Real Life Robotics partnered with听global robotics platform Robot.com (formerly Kiwibot), which developed the autonomous-capable robots and tele-operation driving, and the Remington Group, which supports smart city integration in Markham.听
鈥淲e鈥檝e been impressed by the experience and leadership that the Real Life Robotics team has in the Canadian robotics market, and we think Skip is exactly the right innovative player to lead this new era in robotic meal delivery,鈥� said J. Kim Fennell, chief business officer at Robot.com.听
Early results of the pilot have proven robots to be an efficient means of delivery, generating lower carbon emissions than traditional delivery methods.听
鈥淭his is about rethinking last-mile delivery in a way that serves local businesses, supports cities, and gives customers a choice,鈥� said Sharif Virani, head of growth at Real Life Robotics.听
鈥淏y working hand-in-hand with Skip, we're showing that sidewalk delivery isn't science fiction, it鈥檚 a practical tool that can help Canadian merchants innovate and stay competitive.鈥�
The three-month deployment intends to lay the groundwork for potential future expansion of Real Life Robotics鈥� robot delivery services nationwide. The company plans to expand its delivery efforts to operate as many as 500 robots nationally within three years.
Feature image:听Sharif Virani (left), head of growth at Real Life Robotics, and Cameron Waite, CEO of Real Life Robotics. (Company Supplied)
About Velocity
Velocity accelerates entrepreneurs' growth from idea to early-stage start-up and beyond. These founders have access to unmatched resources, collaboration space, funding, and an expansive and experienced network made possible only by the University of 蓝莓视频 鈥� Canada's top university for founders. In the 15 years since its inception as a University of 蓝莓视频 residence, more than 400 Velocity companies have netted more than US$26 billion in enterprise value.
