This is the Nuro self-driving R2 that will be delivering to select Walmart customers in the Houston ... [+]
Nuro, the SoftBank-funded robotics company, and Walmart are launching an autonomous vehicle delivery service in the Houston area.
Initially the service will be offered to a limited number of consumers who opt into the program. Eventually all Walmart customers public in metropolitan Houston will be able to order autonomous delivery.
The program will use Nuro’s R2 delivery vehicle and some self-driving Toyota Priuses that are equipped with Nuro’s autonomous vehicle software and hardware. The R2’s will be followed by a trailing human-driven car to assure they stay on course.
“Walmart’s dedication to its customers aligns with our desire to help people same time and money. We are excited to join forces with Walmart to help provide the best possible delivery experience to customers,” Cosimo Leipold, Nuro’s head of partner relations, said in a statement. “Working alongside Walmart gives us an incredible opportunity to improve our door-to-door operations, and continue to integrate and engage with the Houston community.
Nuro is starting a similar service with Domino’s Pizza, also in metropolitan Houston. Nuro also has been delivering groceries with autonomous vehicles in Houston and Scottsdale, Arizona.
The Walmart venture will cover delivery of fresh produce, meat, seafood and bakery itmes, pantry staples and select general merchandise.
“We are excited to work with Nuro and continue to learn as we are incorporating self-driving technology in our delivery options, learnings more about our customers’ needs, and evolving our future delivery offerings,” said Tom Ward, Walmart’s senior vice president of digital operations.
Nuro’s R2 vehicle uses sensors and navigational software, similar to that found on self-driving vehicles transporting passengers.
Nuro was started in 2016 by co-founders Dave Ferguson and Jiahun Zhu, who have worked at Google’s autonomous car project, now known as Waymo.
The company raised about $92 million through Greylock Partners and Gaorong Capital, and another $940 million from SoftBank Group.
