HungerStation, Saudi Arabia-based food delivery app, has rolled out an AI-powered “Shaded Route” system designed to protect its riders from the desert heat without compromising its promise of fast delivery. Developed in response to temperatures that can hit 50°C, the feature leverages advanced technology to prioritise shaded delivery paths, ensuring safer and more comfortable conditions for its fleet.
The project, created in collaboration with VML, follows HungerStation’s earlier initiative which also prioritised riders’ wellbeing, ‘Tip with Time’, which encouraged customers to prioritise rider well-being by allowing extra time for deliveries.
In a region where the midday sun often keeps people indoors and delivery services thrive, HungerStation is addressing the need for rider welfare. “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.”
The AI-driven system tracks the sun’s position in real-time, analysing Riyadh’s urban landscape to identify shaded pathways under buildings, trees, bridges, and tunnels that will allow HungerStation riders to escape from the heat. It even monitors cloud coverage to provide routes that are 10-15°C cooler than normal routes. These shaded routes are calculated to be within 10 per cent of the fastest delivery time to ensure that the efficiency and the speed of delivery isn’t compromised. The system continuously learns and improves, using daylight and shadow data collected through riders’ phone LiDAR sensors to refine its recommendations.
“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.”
Since its testing phase last summer, the initiative has driven notable results. According to Hungerstation, rider applications have risen by 8 per cent, retention rates have improved by 20 per cent, and overall rider satisfaction has increased by 15 per cent. Deliveries during the midday peak hours (12 PM to 4 PM) have surged by 20 per cent, highlighting the operational benefits of the innovation.
Hungerstation also shared that the initiative has already gained attention, prompting discussions about rider welfare and the evolving role of delivery services in addressing challenges posed by extreme climates.
By focusing on improving conditions for its riders, HungerStation highlights how addressing employee well-being can shape industry practices while balancing operational efficiency.
