Grab looks into self-driving technology with 4 partnership signings

By Dat Nguyen March 10, 2025 | 07:25 pm PT

A woman uses her phone near a sign for the online ride-hailing service Grab at the Manggarai train station in Jakarta, Indonesia July 3, 2017. Photo by Reuters

Grab has inked new memoranda of understanding with four autonomous technology firms to investigate the potential of autonomous vehicles in Southeast Asia.

The Singapore-based ride-hailing and delivery giant will collaborate with Autonomous A2Z, Motional, WeRide, and Zelos to evaluate autonomous technologies for delivery and mobility solutions, including shuttles, buses, cars, and bots, it said in a statement Monday.

Grab added that the partnership will explore how autonomous vehicles can enhance road safety and reduce accidents.

It will also examine opportunities for drivers and delivery partners to transition into new roles within the autonomous industry and analyze the cost structures of autonomous vehicles to assess their long-term feasibility.

Anthony Tan, Group CEO and co-founder of Grab, highlighted that while autonomous technology is progressing rapidly, its implications for Southeast Asia's transportation sector remain largely uncharted.

"Through these collaborative studies with leading autonomous technology companies, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of how autonomous vehicles can enhance our transportation ecosystem while maintaining the essential role of our drivers and delivery partners," he said.

This initiative represents another milestone in Grab's continued efforts to explore self-driving technology.