Rakuten Develops Autonomous Robot Deliveries
Rakuten is utilizing autonomous robots to enhance last-mile delivery. Thanks to LiDAR sensors, these autonomous robots can operate at night and in adverse weather conditions. Currently, five robots serve more than 90 delivery points.
According to Statista, Japan‘s food delivery market reached a value of $5.41 billion in 2024. Demand increased during the pandemic and remains at a high level. Based on this data, Rakuten Group is advancing autonomous delivery services in Japan with Avride’s advanced U.S.-based robots to improve last-mile logistics.
Features of Rakuten’s New Robots
The latest delivery robots are equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors, similar to those used in autonomous vehicles, along with Avride’s specialized autonomous driving algorithm. The new robots feature a 54-liter compartment, more than double the previous capacity, allowing them to carry larger orders while making fewer trips on sidewalks. Additionally, although the robots can carry multiple orders simultaneously, they deliver only one order per trip.
Rakuten’s new autonomous robots can make nighttime deliveries thanks to LiDAR and ultrasonic sensors. They are also capable of operating in rainy conditions with up to 20 millimeters of precipitation per hour. However, operations are halted for safety reasons in cases of heavy rain, snow, or strong winds. Each robot can run for up to 12 hours on a single charge, with a charging time of approximately 3.5 hours.
“We Aim to Position Robots as Part of the Infrastructure”
Fukutaro Yamashita, senior manager of Rakuten’s Unmanned Solutions Department, stated, “Robots can operate independently without assistance, but according to Japanese regulations, remote operators are required. However, the operator does not need to be physically present next to the robot. Additionally, Japan limits the speed of robots to 6 kilometers per hour, making them compatible with other autonomous delivery models.”
Yamashita added, “Integrating different robot models was a significant challenge because each has unique unlocking mechanisms for deliveries. We have streamlined the process for customers and provided clear, property-specific unlocking instructions.” He further stated, “Our primary goal is to expand the service in Japan. Afterward, we plan to develop a growth strategy for further expansion.”
Yamashita also emphasized, “Rakuten envisions delivery robots being used not only in the food and retail sectors but also for business-to-business shipments and pharmaceutical deliveries. We aim to position robots as part of the infrastructure.”
Five Robots Serve 90 Delivery Points
Rakuten’s autonomous delivery service currently operates with five robots. These robots make deliveries in the Harumi, Tsukishima, and Kachidoki areas, located east of Tokyo, serving more than 90 delivery points. The service was initially launched with deliveries from Starbucks Coffee Harumi Triton Square, Supermarket Bunkado Tsukishima, and Yoshinoya Harumi Triton Square. It was later expanded to include Patisserie Hat and FamilyMart Harumi Center Building.
Rakuten’s autonomous delivery service was introduced in November 2024. Since its launch, usage has increased, though it still accounts for a small portion of total deliveries. Rakuten is focusing on expanding in Harumi, Tsukishima, and Kachidoki, targeting 24,000 households in the area. The company also plans to expand its Avride robot fleet to ten and upgrade the delivery management system to optimize robot allocation. The system has been successfully tested with a ten-robot setup.