Nuro is deploying its driverless pod that will now deliver anything from pizzas to medicines. Soon, its technology will see a jump, all thanks to its partnership with a big player in logistics.
Nuro recently announced that it has joined forces with FedEx that will use Nuro’s autonomous delivery vehicle for last-mile operations. An initiative was launched in Houston in April, but it’s not clear as of now when other markets will be getting this vehicle.
“This multi-year commitment will allow us to truly collaborate and bring Nuro’s powerful technology to more people in new ways, and eventually reach large-scale deployment,” said Cosimo Leipold, Nuro’s head of partnerships. “Our collaboration will enable innovative, industry-first product offerings that will better everyday life and help make communities safer and greener.”
FedEx partnership will be beneficial
Last-mile operations are exactly what their name suggests. This covers the final leg of the deliveries, from warehouse to regular house. While there are no details divulged about the partnership between the two firms, Nuro said that it hopes its autonomous vehicles will be “taking on inefficient deliveries, finding new ways to move parcels, and adding new capacity to support rapidly growing demand.”
This could be a huge leap for Nuro, which has been developing its vehicle for the last few years. The company already has several partners such as Domino’s Pizza and CVS Pharmacy, but the latest partnership with FedEx takes it to another level. FedEx currently handles around 18 million packages on a daily basis and has a fleet of around 200,000 vehicles.
Nuro has required permits
A year ago, Nuro received an exemption from the US Department of Transportation to operate its autonomous pod on normal roads, despite lacking redundant controls for a human to operate. However, it makes sense because these pods were meant to deliver goods and not carry around people.
In December last year, the California Department of Motor Vehicles granted the firm a deployment permit, which enables the company to charge for its services in some areas of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
