SINGAPORE, March 21, 2025 – In a move that could transform the way bubble tea reaches customers, PlayMade has partnered with QuikBot Technologies to trial autonomous final-mile delivery across select outlets in Singapore. This collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating automation into both beverage production and last-mile logistics, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in the food and beverage (F&B) industry.
As part of the initiative, PlayMade will deploy QuikBot’s Autonomous Final-Mile Delivery (AFMD) Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), designed to streamline operations and improve delivery efficiency. The pilot programme will evaluate the scalability, feasibility, and operational benefits of robotic deliveries, particularly in high-demand urban areas where speed and convenience are paramount.
Bubble Tea in Seconds, Delivered by Robots
In addition to the delivery trial, PlayMade is also introducing an advanced automated brewing machine, capable of preparing made-to-order bubble tea in just six to eight seconds. By combining this rapid brewing technology with QuikBot’s robotic delivery network, PlayMade aims to create a seamless end-to-end automated experience, ensuring customers receive their drinks faster and fresher than ever.
Redefining F&B Logistics with Automation
The trial will focus on key factors essential for the success of autonomous deliveries, including:
- Automated Production and Delivery Synergy – Assessing how the integration of robotic brewing and last-mile delivery enhances efficiency.
- Delivery Performance Metrics – Comparing QuikBot’s delivery speed and reliability with traditional methods.
- Packaging Innovation – Refining packaging to maintain beverage stability, prevent spills, and ensure drinks remain at the ideal temperature.
- Operational Adaptation – Gathering insights from PlayMade staff on integrating automation into daily workflows.
- Customer Expectations and Pricing – Understanding whether customers are willing to pay a premium for the added convenience of autonomous deliveries.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Tan Guo Rong, Managing Partner of PlayMade, emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Automation has always been at the core of PlayMade’s vision. By partnering with QuikBot, we’re not only improving delivery speed but also reimagining convenience for our customers. Our goal is to set a new industry standard by combining cutting-edge robotics with exceptional service.”
Alan Ng, CEO and Founder of QuikBot Technologies, highlighted the potential of intelligent automation in redefining last-mile logistics, “At QuikBot, we are revolutionising last-mile delivery with autonomous solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate customer satisfaction. This partnership with PlayMade is a testament to how robotic deliveries can seamlessly integrate into urban environments, paving the way for the future of smart cities.”
Roadmap for the Pilot Programme
Initially, customers will place orders manually via WhatsApp, with robotic deliveries fulfilling select orders. By Q3 2025, PlayMade plans to launch its dedicated mobile app, allowing for seamless integration with QuikBot’s AFMD PaaS, creating a fully automated ordering and delivery system. The pilot will be strategically timed during off-peak office hours, when demand for bubble tea surges, to optimise efficiency and fulfilment rates.
Shaping the Future of Autonomous Deliveries
Beyond benefiting PlayMade customers, the trial serves as a blueprint for the wider F&B sector. QuikBot Technologies and PlayMade are inviting other F&B businesses in Singapore to observe and participate in the initiative, providing a first-hand opportunity to explore autonomous delivery solutions.
At the conclusion of the trial, findings will be shared with food delivery providers and the broader F&B industry, offering valuable insights into the feasibility and impact of automation on logistics and service efficiency.
With Singapore at the forefront of smart city innovation, this partnership between PlayMade and QuikBot Technologies could well be a turning point for the way food and beverages are produced and delivered, setting the stage for a new era of convenience and automation.