Moscow just got its first taste of robot delivery thanks to Samokat, the popular Russian e-grocery service. Their new delivery robot, named ”Turbi,” is currently operating on short routes in select neighborhoods. Choosing robot delivery knocks 20% off the minimum order amount compared to regular courier service.
The Samokat app now offers three delivery options: partner courier, robot courier, and self pickup. The company designed Turbi not just to transport packages but also to add some personality to the experience. The robot’s casing features playful phrases like ”Your smile charges me up” and ”According to my sensors, someone cute is nearby.” Customers who receive their orders smoothly can even snap a photo with Turbi.
Robot delivery in Russia isn’t new-Yandex has been running robot couriers in several cities for years. Meanwhile, startups like Starship Technologies have completed millions of deliveries across the US and Europe. This delivery model works especially well for e-grocery on short routes, where last-mile delivery is the costliest part. Even modest savings on these routes can add up quickly when scaled.
Samokat’s robot delivery pilot raises the question: will robot couriers become a regular sight on Moscow’s crowded streets or remain a novelty? As urban delivery demand increases, expect more experiments automating the last mile to continue reshaping how groceries reach consumers.