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Grab has revealed 13 new AI-driven features at its annual GrabX 2026 event in Jakarta that are designed to make daily life easier and simpler
These updates aim to simplify daily tasks for commuters, foodies, and business owners in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
Whether you're trying to figure out what to have for lunch, running a nasi lemak stall, or navigating the afternoon rush hour in Kuala Lumpur, life in Malaysia is a constant juggle.
Grab unveiled the features alongside a super cute delivery robot called 'Carri'.
At the GrabX 2026 showcase in Jakarta today, 8 April, Grab's chief executive officer Anthony Tan framed the company's vision of its "everyday everything" app as a personal AI-powered "Everyday Guide"
"For years, we've been building an Intelligence Layer that sits underneath every feature and innovation in our app. It is AI infrastructure, fuelled by real world, real-time signals, that allows us to sense, understand, predict and respond to the world around us in ways that nobody else can," Tan said.
From saving money on your commute to running a business via CCTV, here is how Grab is about to get a whole lot smarter for Malaysians.
Some of these features will be rolled out in stages in 2026 in Malaysia.
For daily commuters and foodies, Grab has unveiled five features that will help you save money and get your food to your dining table hot and conveniently
1. Group Ride: Save up to 40% on your fare
Going to the same restaurant or cafe as your colleagues? Group Ride lets up to four people share a vehicle, even if you have different pick-up points.
Grab's AI calculates the most efficient route, and you can save up to 40% compared to riding alone.
The AI does all the calculations for you and splits the payment automatically, saving you the headache of doing the math and money collection later.
2. Grab More: Two orders, one delivery fee
We've all been there: you want nasi lemak rendang, but your partner wants tom yam from a different shop. This usually results in two delivery fees.
With Grab More, you can add items from a nearby merchant to your existing order with no extra delivery fee and no minimum spend.
The AI syncs them up so that they arrive at your door at the same time.
3. Grab AI Assistant: Your personal makan planner
Struggling to plan a company dinner? Just tell the Grab AI Assistant your group size and dietary needs.
Simply prompt Grab AI Assistant: "I need a halal spot for 10 in Bangsar" and it'll do all the planning for you by recommending restaurants and even handle the booking for you.
This feature will be available in Malaysia by the end of 2026.
4. Grab Shopping Agent: Grocery shop with a photo
Forget typing in "three-ply toilet paper" or "low-fat milk". You can now send a photo, a voice note, or a messy handwritten list to the Shopping Agent.
It will build your cart across multiple merchants and even suggest smart substitutions if your favourite brand is out of stock.
5. GrabMaps: No more getting lost in 1 Utama
Most maps stop at the front door, but GrabMaps now includes indoor navigation for malls and buildings.
It also shows real-time EV charger locations, parking availability, and allows you to compare the cost of a Grab versus driving yourself.
You can even "clone" a voice you love for turn-by-turn directions.
For small and medium entrepreneurs (SME) and gig workers, there are five new features designed to streamline workflows and help you run your business efficiently
6. Virtual Store Manager: Boss mode from anywhere
For SME owners, this is a game-changer that turns existing CCTV into a "smart manager" using AI.
It can alert you if hygiene standards are not met, monitor queue lengths, and tell you when foot traffic is peaking.
The feature is currently being piloted in Malaysia.
7. Tap To Pay: Your phone is now a card machine
Merchant-partners can now accept card and QR payments directly on their smartphones via the GrabMerchant app.
There is no need for expensive card terminals or complex setups, as it is coming to Malaysia by the end of the year.
8. Cloud Printer: Goodbye, missed orders
This hardware automatically prints orders the moment they come in, syncing the front counter and the kitchen.
If the shop becomes too busy, the AI automatically "pauses" the store on the Grab app to prevent unhappy customers.
9. Driver AI Assistant: A hands-free companion
For Abang Grab drivers, the Driver AI Assistant acts as a voice-activated buddy.
Drivers can ask it for policy guidance or ask it to message a passenger while keeping their eyes on the road. For example, a driver can check Grab's standard operating procedure if a passenger leaves their wallet behind.
The feature is designed to make the job safer and more efficient.
10. Cash Loan: Financial help in seconds
Need a quick bridge for an emergency expense? Grab is bringing AI-powered Cash Loans to Malaysia by mid-2026.
Eligible users can get a decision in seconds with no paperwork, based on their Grab history.
However, it's unclear how interest rates will be calculated and how much it'll cost.
If you enjoy travelling, these three features on the Grab app will help make planning and executing your trips much easier
11. Personalised Travel Experience: Your airport BFF
From the moment you head to any Southeast Asian airport, Grab becomes your travel guide.
It tracks flight updates, reminds you of arrival card requirements, and uses indoor navigation to lead you to the correct baggage belt.
The chances of you missing your flight and travel documents greatly diminishes thanks to this super helpful AI-powered feature.
12. GrabStays & GrabPay for Travel: Seamless hotel bookings and merchant payment
In partnership with Nuitee, you can now book hotels directly within the app. The feature is perfect for last-minute staycations, offering competitive same-day rates and GrabCoin rewards.
With many merchants across Southeast Asia accepting QR code payments but not credit cards, you can pay directly with your debit or credit cards by scanning the QR code and paying via GrabPay for Travel within the Grab app. No new app downloads, no e-wallet top-ups, and no leftover foreign balances are required.
Since your payment information is already on file, it is a one-tap process for both features.
13. Discover By Grab: Find the hidden gems
Tired of the same old "top 10" lists? Discover uses AI to show you authentic food content and reviews from the local community.
You can see what people are actually eating, save the spots, and immediately book a ride to get there.
Grab is also looking for testers for all of the features above! If you want to be the first to try these features out, you can join the Early Access Programme by registering on the official GrabX website here.
Alternatively, you can also simply "shake" your phone to provide feedback.
