Serve Robotics, an autonomous robotic delivery company, has signed an agreement to acquire assets from Vebu, a provider of custom automation and robotic solutions for restaurant partners.
The all-stock transaction's financial details remain undisclosed, with completion contingent on standard closing conditions.
Vebu's robotic innovations include Autocado, an avocado-processing robot that automates the tasks of cutting, coring, and scooping avocados.
Designed to streamline guacamole preparation, the robot efficiently handles avocados, allowing restaurant staff to dedicate more time to customer service and other tasks.
Currently undergoing pilot testing at a Chipotle outlet in Huntington Beach, California, US, the Autocado can process up to 25lb of avocados, enhancing kitchen efficiency.
By incorporating Vebu's automation technologies into its portfolio, Serve Robotics aims to cement its position as an essential partner for restaurants by broadening its services to include back-of-house automation.
Serve Robotics anticipates that integrating Vebu's offerings will diversify its market presence by catering to a wider array of operational requirements within the restaurant industry.
Vebu's existing relationships with restaurant chains such as Chipotle will bolster Serve Robotics' portfolio of partnerships, which already includes names such as Shake Shack and 7-Eleven.
Serve Robotics CEO and co-founder Dr Ali Kashani said: “By adding Vebu's pioneering kitchen automation capabilities to our autonomous delivery offering, we will be uniquely positioned to utilise robotics and AI to solve the labour shortages plaguing the restaurant industry.
“This acquisition underscores our commitment to helping our partners operate more efficiently and to expanding our partnerships with national chain restaurants. We are thrilled to have Buck [Jordan] and his accomplished team pioneering an innovative technology join us once we close this transaction.”
Jordan, founder and CEO of Vebu, is set to join as senior vice-president of Serve Robotics’ Kitchen Automation post-acquisition.
Jordan will lead the continued development of the Autocado and spearhead further product innovations.
In May 2023, Uber Eats expanded its partnership with Serve Robotics to scale the scope of robotic food delivery in the US market.
