Uber Technologies Inc. announced on Thursday that it has joined forces with startup Nuro to test food delivery using unmanned cars in select U.S. cities, extending its alliances with businesses that specialise in creating self-driving vehicles.
Even after the COVID-19 lockdowns were lifted, people continued to order meals online and have them delivered to their homes, thus businesses have turned their attention to last-mile autonomous delivery.
As part of a 10-year agreement, tests with Nuro will start this fall in Houston, Texas, and Mountain View, California, with ambitions to expand the service to the larger Bay Area.
Uber has also been doing testing for autonomous delivery with Serve Robotics, which offers sidewalk machines for distribution, and self-driving start-up Motional. Uber wants to have only electric vehicles on its platform in the United States, Canada, and Europe by 2030.
Former Google self-driving car project leaders who launched Nuro have already partnered with American merchants including Kroger and Walmart as well as food chains like Domino’s Pizza Inc. and Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
Customers who order food and supplies through the Uber Eats pilot will have the option of driverless delivery.
Uber’s ride-hailing business has rebounded from pandemic lows as people start travelling again, go to social gatherings, and go back to work, but its food delivery operation is at risk due to restaurant reopenings and increased takeout prices.
