Contactless Delivery Vehicles

A second autonomous delivery startup has been approved by the state of California to test its driverless and passenger-less vehicles on public roads. The permit covers not only light-duty delivery vehicles such as midsize trucks and cargo vans, but also vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, such as passenger cars.

The latest vehicle to be approved is the Nuro R2. Because it doesn’t require a human safety driver, the manufacturer was able to eliminate some of the features that would normally be found in a passenger-carrying car – like side mirrors, a rear window and even the windshield. But unlike human-driven vehicles, its rear cameras are operating at all times to enhance safety.

The coronavirus pandemic has helped to fast-track approvals by underscoring the need for contactless delivery services. In some areas, grocery delivery has extended to two weeks or more, and a system that requires no human intervention is a plus when trying to maintain physical distancing.