How Remote-Controlled Delivery Carts Are Revolutionizing LA Grocery Delivery
From Scooters to Groceries: Tortoise’s Pivot to Autonomous Delivery
Silicon Valley startup Tortoise has expanded its remote-controlled technology beyond electric scooters into the grocery delivery space. Partnering with online grocery platform Self Point, the company now equips local Los Angeles stores with teleoperated electric carts capable of delivering goods within a three-mile radius.
Key Features of the New Delivery System:
- Store-owned model: Grocers lease carts and manage storage/charging
- Human-assisted autonomy: Remote operators guide carts to destinations
- 3-mile delivery range: Ideal for neighborhood grocery delivery
- Scalable technology: Built on repurposed scooter repositioning systems
The COVID-19 Catalyst: Accelerating Contactless Delivery Solutions
The pandemic created what Tortoise co-founder Dmitry Shevelenko calls “a once-in-a-generation change in consumer behavior.” This shift prompted the company to rapidly adapt its technology:
- May 2020: Initial cart designs completed
- Q4 2020: First operational carts deployed
- Current deployment: 3 LA retailers (including Kosher Express)
“We’re doing for last-mile delivery what globalized call centers did for customer support,” Shevelenko noted, emphasizing the cost-efficiency of their remote operation model.
Beyond Groceries: The Future of Remote Repositioning Technology
While currently focused on grocery delivery, Tortoise’s technology has broader applications:
- Security and cleaning robots
- Electric wheelchairs/accessibility devices
- Agricultural monitoring systems
“There’s really no technological constraint for us,” Shevelenko stated, though the company remains strategically focused on gradual expansion.
How It Compares to Other Delivery Solutions
Tortoise’s carts differ from compe*****s by:
- Larger capacity: Designed for bulk grocery/alcohol delivery
- Lower speed operation: Not suitable for hot food delivery
- Hybrid model: Combines remote operation with store ownership
Unlike fully autonomous compe*****s like Kiwibot and Starship, Tortoise leverages human oversight to bridge the gap while autonomous technology continues developing.
The Road Ahead: Expansion and Industry Impact
This Los Angeles pilot represents just the beginning for Tortoise’s grocery delivery ambitions. The successful implementation could:
- Validate remote operation as a scalable last-mile solution
- Provide smaller grocers with affordable automation
- Create a blueprint for nationwide expansion
As consumer demand for contactless delivery persists, Tortoise’s adaptable technology positions them uniquely in the evolving logistics landscape.
