Serve Robotics Inc., a California-based developer of autonomous sidewalk delivery robots, said it has acquired Vayu Robotics Inc. to strengthen its technology for AI-based navigation and expand into new markets. The deal combines Serve’s autonomy stack and extensive real-world data with Vayu’s expertise in foundation model-based robotics and scalable simulation technology.
The acquisition is expected to accelerate the adoption of learned autonomy for last-mile delivery, enabling safer, faster, and more reliable navigation. Serve said the integration will also lower operational costs and open opportunities to expand its robots into additional environments such as bike lanes and road margins.
Vayu’s founders and team of engineers, researchers, and business leaders will join Serve, bringing experience in AI, hardware, and large-scale production. Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures and Vayu’s lead investor, will join Serve’s advisory board.
Under the terms of the transaction, Vayu stockholders received 1.7 million shares of Serve common stock, with a potential earnout of 560,000 additional shares tied to performance milestones. Warrants for 4 million shares at an exercise price of $10.36 per share were issued to Khosla Ventures, with stock and warrants subject to lockup periods. Serve said it retains a strong balance sheet following the deal.
Serve Robotics, spun off from Uber in 2021, operates AI-powered delivery robots that have completed tens of thousands of orders for partners including Uber Eats and 7-Eleven. Vayu, based in California, develops robotics systems that integrate machine learning and sensing technologies with an emphasis on sustainability.
