Serve Robotics is expanding its autonomous footprint by acquiring Diligent, a developer of hospital assistant robots, aiming to leverage shared engineering DNA to accelerate real-world deployment of robotics technology.
Aligning Missions Through Shared Engineering DNA
“We love the team; they have very similar DNA to us, which is, rather than building in a lab, they build in real life,” CEO Ali Kashani said regarding the acquisition. He noted that the move is deeply aligned with the company’s core mission of practical, field-tested robotics.
Operational Strategy and Integration
Under the new ownership, Diligent will maintain a level of operational independence within Serve. Kashani confirmed that Diligent will integrate Serve’s proprietary software and tools to reach greater scale, while both teams plan to collaborate on shared technological developments moving forward.
Strategic Focus: Sidewalk Delivery Remains Priority
Despite the acquisition, Serve Robotics is not pivoting its business model. Kashani clarified that this move does not signal an aggressive acquisition spree, though the company will remain open to potential partnerships. The primary focus remains firmly on the company’s sidewalk-delivery robots.
Scaling Rapidly in the Autonomous Sector
Serve Robotics has seen massive growth in 2025, scaling its fleet from 100 to over 2,000 active robots. This expansion is bolstered by a key partnership signed with DoorDash in October to facilitate autonomous deliveries across Los Angeles.
The Core Engine of Future Innovation
“Our sidewalk business is what’s fueling everything,” Kashani explained. “It’s creating the technology. It’s one of the largest autonomous fleets in the world right now and developing that helps us create everything that we need in other applications.”
