HungerStation Beats Desert Heat with AI-Powered 'Shaded Route' for Delivery Riders

HungerStation, Saudi Arabia's leading food delivery app, strikes once again, by knocking the scorching desert summer heat out, with a first-of-its-kind cutting-edge, AI-powered route optimisation system, designed to protect its delivery riders while maintaining its commitment to the fastest delivery times in the market. The 'Shaded Route' feature, in testing since last summer, leverages intelligent route analysis to identify and prioritise delivery paths with the most shade, offering riders relief from temperatures that can reach a staggering 50°C (122°F).

In a country where midday sun often drives residents indoors and increases reliance on food delivery services, HungerStation recognised the need to prioritise rider well-being. "Our riders are the heart of our operation," says Ahmad Chatila, director of brand and communication. The 'Shaded Route' is a testament to how innovation can address real-world challenges, ensuring our riders feel valued and supported every step of the way.

'Shaded Route' technology tracks the sun’s position in real-time and analyses Riyadh's urban landscape, identifying shaded pathways under buildings, trees, bridges, and tunnels. It even tracks cloud coverage, ensuring riders experience temperatures that can be 10-15°C cooler than traditional routes. These shaded routes are calculated to be within 10% of the fastest delivery time, ensuring efficiency and speed of delivery isn't compromised. The AI is constantly learning and continuously enhancing its recommendations by capturing daylight and shadow data from riders' phone LiDAR sensors.  

"The 'Shaded Route' proves once again that technology is a powerful force for good," says Firas Ghannam, executive creative director at VML Riyadh. "It's about delivering respect and care for Hungerstation heroes, improving working conditions while maintaining operational excellence."

The innovative initiative has already generated significant buzz, sparking conversations about rider welfare and the future of delivery services in challenging climates. HungerStation's commitment to its riders sets a new standard for the industry, demonstrating that prioritising people is not just good business, it's the right thing to do.

Results:

• Riders applying to HungerStation increased by 8%
• Riders' retention increased by 20%
• Overall riders' satisfaction increased by 15%
• 12 to 4PM peak time delivery increased by 20%