Naver Sets Riyadh Robot Delivery Launch
Naver’s first outdoor delivery robot, “NURI,” will operate in downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, in the first half of next year. Naver plans to present a delivery service optimized for local residential environments by combining the digital twin data it has built in Saudi Arabia with its robot
Naver plans to launch its first outdoor delivery robot, "NURI," in downtown Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, during the first half of next year. The company aims to create a delivery service tailored to local residential environments by leveraging the digital twin data it has accumulated in Saudi Arabia and its robotics technology. Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon announced the Saudi business plan during a conference call on the company's third-quarter earnings, held on November 12.
The heart of the service is to deploy "NURI," a robot developed by Naver Labs, to offer a tangible delivery experience to local users. Prior to the service's launch, Naver underwent a rigorous pre-verification process in Riyadh residential complexes. This included not only driving demonstrations that reflect Saudi Arabia's distinctive road conditions and climate but also tests with actual users.
Through this process, the company fine-tuned the robot's driving stability and enhanced user convenience. Additionally, Naver implemented technical measures to ensure the robot's map information remains accurate. The system enables the robot to drive on roads and update data in real-time, addressing the fast-changing urban landscape of Saudi Arabia and minimizing delivery errors.
Looking ahead, Naver intends to integrate the delivery robot with the local map service "Balady Plus." The ultimate goal is to establish an integrated service structure where, when a user searches for a location or orders a product on the map app, the robot promptly begins delivery. In essence, Naver aims to transplant into Saudi Arabia an entire robot ecosystem wherein search, reservation, and ordering lead to real-world physical delivery.
Currently, the company focuses on advancing the service based on demonstration data. If a delivery model customized to the characteristics of each Saudi residential complex takes hold, Naver could become the first global commercialization case of "tech convergence," combining Naver's digital twin and robotics technologies.
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