Grab Acquires Infermove to Fuel AI-Driven Delivery Expansion

Grab Holdings Ltd. has confirmed its acquisition of Infermove, a Chinese artificial intelligence and robotics firm, in a strategic move to bolster its first- and last-mile delivery capabilities according to Bloomberg. The deal marks Grab's latest step into AI-enabled robotics, a field it sees as central to its evolving logistics and delivery ecosystem. Founded in 2021, Infermove has developed autonomous systems and hardware for mixed-road environments, including delivery robots and an autonomous driving armchair.

The firm had previously raised $300,000 in angel funding and secured a $33 million valuation in a partnership with a Tieda Technology subsidiary. Now, its technology is set to be integrated into Grab's delivery and mobility platforms, with the company saying the investment will fuel further innovation.

. Grab's expansion into AI robotics follows recent financial developments, including the sale of a portion of shares by Assenagon Asset Management.

Meanwhile, Grab's stock has seen mixed activity, with some institutional investors trimming their positions. Assenagon cut its stake by nearly 48% in Q3, holding onto 0.32% of the company, while others like Amundi and UBS increased their holdings. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating and an average price target of $6.37.

Why the Standoff Happened

Grab's decision to acquire Infermove is part of a broader push into automation, aiming to reduce delivery times and improve efficiency in Southeast Asia's crowded delivery markets. Infermove's mixed-road autonomous driving system and range of delivery robots are designed to navigate both urban and rural environments, making them ideal for Grab's logistics needs. The firm's products include a single-arm delivery robot and an armless delivery robot, which could be deployed in dense city areas where traditional vehicles face traffic constraints.

Grab has long been focused on expanding its delivery network, and AI-enabled robotics are seen as a natural extension of that vision. The acquisition also aligns with broader industry trends, as companies like Amazon and Alibaba continue to invest in autonomous delivery solutions. For Grab, the move reinforces its position as a leader in Southeast Asia's digital economy.

How Markets Reacted

Grab's stock has shown resilience despite recent investor skepticism. In Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of $873 million, slightly above expectations, but earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.01, below the projected $0.03. While the company has seen a surge in user activity, particularly in its on-demand services, it has yet to achieve consistent profitability. However, its financials have improved in recent quarters, with adjusted free cash flow rising and loan disbursements reaching an annualized run rate of $3 billion.

Analysts remain divided on the stock's short-term prospects. Some have upgraded their ratings, with Jefferies and Benchmark issuing "Buy" ratings, while others maintain "Hold" or "Moderate Buy" positions. The stock currently trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 121.78, reflecting the company's high-growth expectations but also underscoring the challenges it faces in achieving profitability. In the past year, Grab's stock has gained 48.65%, outperforming some of its peers in the digital services sector.

What This Means for Investors

For investors, Grab's acquisition of Infermove is a clear signal that the company is pivoting toward automation and AI-driven logistics. This move could help Grab reduce delivery costs and improve service reliability, both of which are critical in Southeast Asia's competitive market. The company has also announced pilot programs for autonomous electric shuttles in Singapore and drone-based delivery in the Philippines, indicating a long-term strategy to integrate AI and robotics into its operations.

However, risks remain. The robotics market is still in its early stages, and widespread adoption faces technical and regulatory hurdles. Additionally, Grab's expansion into AI-enabled delivery could face competition from other regional players and global tech firms. For now, the acquisition is seen as a strategic bet on the future of delivery, and one that could help Grab differentiate itself in a crowded market.