Grocery giant Kroger and autonomous vehicle startup Nuro to pilot autonomous delivery vehicle and system

Kroger, one of the largest grocery store chains in the US, has teamed up with autonomous vehicle startup Nuro to develop shopping delivery services for customers.

Kroger and Nuro say the new partnership will “redefine the grocery customer experience for Americans” by piloting an on-road, fully autonomous delivery experience.

Kroger, which claims to be “America’s largest supermarket retailer”, and Nuro, maker of what it claims is “the world’s first fully unmanned road vehicle”, are working to make the convenience of grocery delivery accessible and affordable for customers everywhere. 

Through this 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.

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’s 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. This allows customers to get what they need, when they need it, wherever they are.

Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief digital officer, says: “We are incredibly excited about the potential of our innovative partnership with Nuro to bring the future of grocery delivery to customers today.

“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, Nuro, says: “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.”