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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nuro and Kroger Co. today announced the launch of the first-ever unmanned delivery service available to the general public.
Since August, the companies have operated a self-driving grocery delivery service in Scottsdale, Ariz. with an autonomous Prius fleet accompanied by vehicle operators. The autonomous vehicles have completed nearly one thousand deliveries to the general public.
With today’s launch, the fleet is expanding to include Nuro’s custom unmanned vehicle known as the R1. The R1 travels on public roads and has no driver, no passengers and only transports goods. Nuro has been developing the R1 since 2016, and announced its partnership with Kroger, America’s largest supermarket retailer, in June.
“Nuro envisions a world without errands, where everything is on-demand and can be delivered affordably. Operating a delivery service using our custom unmanned vehicles is an important first step toward that goal,” explained Nuro president and co-founder Dave Ferguson.
“Kroger customers are looking for new, convenient ways to feed their families and purchase the products they need quickly through services like pickup and delivery,” said Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief digital officer. “Our autonomous delivery pilot with Nuro over the past few months continues to prove the benefit of the flexible and reliable technology. Through this exciting and innovative partnership, we are delivering a great customer experience and advancing Kroger’s commitment to redefine the grocery experience by creating an ecosystem that offers our customers anything, anytime, and anywhere.”
Kroger experienced 60% digital sales growth in the third quarter, and its seamless coverage area now reaches more than 90% of customer households.
Delivery service details:
- Where: Fry’s Food Stores (single location): 7770 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, Ariz. 85257
- When: Customers can place delivery orders immediately, for delivery 7 days a week
- How: Customers shop via frysfood.com or the Fry’s Food Stores mobile app and place their order based on slot availability
- What: Grocery orders can be scheduled for same-day or next-day delivery by Nuro’s fleet of self-driving vehicles, now featuring the custom unmanned R1 as well as self-driving Prius vehicles
- Price: $5.95 flat fee; no minimum order
