Grab's CTO Discusses the Future of Robotics and AI in Urban Mobility
How Grab’s CTO sees the superapp’s push into physical AI and automated driving—and why he uses his competitors’ robots in the office

Image: Fortune
Grab's chief technology officer, Suthen Paradatheth, highlights the company's integration of robotics and AI into its services, including the recent launch of delivery robot Carri in Singapore. With a focus on complementing human drivers rather than replacing them, Grab aims to enhance urban mobility while fostering AI adoption in Southeast Asia's emerging markets.
- 01Grab's revenue surged from $469 million in 2020 to $2.8 billion last year, showcasing significant growth.
- 02The company has embedded over 1,000 AI models into its platforms, emphasizing the principle of 'AI first, with heart.'
- 03Grab is investing in automated driving and has launched a robobus in Singapore, aiming for a balance between automation and human involvement.
- 04The AI-powered translation model developed by Grab achieves 90% accuracy, facilitating communication across diverse languages in Southeast Asia.
- 05Grab plans to encourage AI adoption among 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in Singapore's food and beverage, e-commerce, and retail sectors.
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Grab's chief technology officer, Suthen Paradatheth, recently discussed the company's strategic focus on integrating robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations. The launch of the delivery robot Carri in Singapore's Punggol district marks a significant step in this direction. Paradatheth explained that Grab employs a '1+n strategy,' utilizing not only its own robots but also those from competitors to stay competitive. Having joined Grab in its early days as a part-time consultant, Paradatheth has witnessed the company's evolution from a ride-hailing service to a comprehensive digital platform, now generating $2.8 billion in revenue. Grab has also developed its own mapping service, GrabMaps, to better serve its drivers. The company has embedded over 1,000 AI models into its services, focusing on creating customer value through technology. Despite concerns about job displacement due to automation, Paradatheth reassured that Grab's autonomous vehicles and delivery robots are intended to complement human drivers. Looking ahead, he envisions Grab becoming a global leader in urban embodied AI, aiming to enhance city living through innovative solutions.
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Grab's advancements in AI and robotics could reshape job roles within the transportation and delivery sectors in Southeast Asia, potentially enhancing efficiency and service quality.
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