Grocery Delivery Without the Fees
Delivery apps are pricey. Service fees, markups, and tips add up fast. But Robomart, a Los Angeles startup, wants to change the game with its new RM5 autonomous delivery robot.
This electric, driverless van makes deliveries for a flat $3 fee—no matter the order size. That’s a fraction of what services like DoorDash or Instacart typically charge.
And here’s the kicker: there are no hidden fees, no service charges, and zero tipping.
How the RM5 Works
The RM5 looks like a rolling locker. It comes with 10 individual compartments, each capable of carrying up to 50 pounds. That means one robot can handle multiple stops, serving both stores and customers in a single run.
Unlike small sidewalk bots, the RM5 can travel up to 25 mph on public roads, making deliveries quicker and more practical.
Customers simply unlock their assigned locker with a smartphone app once the robot arrives.
Specs That Make It Work
The RM5 is 146.6 inches long, 56 inches wide, and 82.6 inches tall. It weighs just over 2,200 pounds and runs 112 miles per charge.
Each of its 10 lockers can be heated or cooled, perfect for frozen food or hot meals. The total payload capacity reaches 500 pounds, which makes it more versatile than most delivery bots we’ve seen so far.
What’s Next for Robomart
Robomart plans to launch the RM5 in Austin, Texas, later this year. Before that, the company needs retail partners to fill the robots with groceries and goods.
This isn’t Robomart’s first rodeo. Founded in 2017, the startup tested a “store on wheels” pilot back in 2020. Now, it’s moving from novelty to a scalable delivery solution.
The Bottom Line
The RM5 could slash delivery costs by up to 70%. If it works as promised, $3 fee delivery with no tips and no extras could make traditional delivery apps obsolete.
Would you trust a robot to drop off your next grocery haul?
