Unmanned vehicles only transport goods and open with access code.

Krissa Welshans 1, Feedstuffs Editor

June 28, 2018

2 Min Read
Kroger, Nuro partner to pilot autonomous delivery
Nuro

The Kroger Co. and Nuro announced June 28 a new partnership to redefine the grocery customer experience for Americans by piloting an on-road, fully autonomous delivery experience.

Together, Kroger, America's largest supermarket retailer, and Nuro, maker of the world's first fully unmanned on-road vehicle, are working to make the convenience of grocery delivery accessible and affordable for customers everywhere. Through this innovative partnership, customers can place same-day delivery orders through Kroger's ClickList ordering system and Nuro's app. During the test, orders will be delivered by Nuro's fleet of autonomous vehicles.

The vehicles were specifically designed to transport goods only. They contain two compartments, and customers will be given an access code to open the doors when the vehicle arrives in their driveway.

This is the first application and deployment of Nuro's hardware and software. The pilot market will be announced soon and is expected to begin this fall.

Kroger said its expansive retail footprint of 2,800 stores in 35 states, combined with Nuro's technology platform, will change the status quo of grocery delivery through convenience at a low price, allowing customers to get what they need, when they need it, wherever they are.

"We are incredibly excited about the potential of our innovative partnership with Nuro to bring the future of grocery delivery to customers today," Kroger chief digital officer Yael Cosset said. "As part of 'Restock Kroger,' we have already started to redefine the grocery customer experience and expand the coverage area for our anything, anytime and anywhere offering. Partnering with Nuro, a leading technology company, will create customer value by providing Americans access to fast and convenient delivery at a fair price."

Dave Ferguson, co-founder of Nuro, said, "Unmanned delivery will be a game-changer for local commerce, and together with Kroger, we're thrilled to test this new delivery experience to bring grocery customers new levels of convenience and value. Our safe, reliable and affordable service, combined with Kroger's ubiquitous brand, is a powerful first step in our mission to accelerate the benefits of robotics for everyday life."

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