Refraction AI

Refraction AI, develops a comparatively larger droid that can travel in bike lanes for last-mile delivery applications, and hence does not require sidewalks travel. The droids are equipped with Level 4 autonomy (i.e., capable of navigating without human interventions in specific conditions or environments) and are capable of intelligent routing. They are equipped with 12 cameras, a radar, and ultrasonic sensors for autonomous navigation. The robots can travel a 3+ mile radius, carrying a payload of up to 200 lb and traveling at speeds up to 15 mph. They can deliver temperature-controlled items and operate in all weather conditions including snow, rain, and winds. The company also offers multiple platform types to suit various needs and pitches its product toward restaurant, grocery, and retail partners.

Its business model involves the outright sale of droid units to customers and has also conducted pilots by charging a flat fee from partnering restaurants and retailers. The company conducts pilot programs in Ann Arbor (Michigan), Austin (Texas), and Alpharetta (Georgia).

Key customers and partnerships

Refraction AI’s partners include Ann Arbor-based grocery store Produce Station (for local grocery deliveries; June 2020); restaurant Southside Flying Pizza (for deliveries in Austin; September 2021) and fast-food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A (for deliveries in Austin and Alpharetta; May 2022 and June 2023, respectively).