A Kroger’s supermarket in Scottsdale Ariz., embarked Aug. 16 on a self-driving-vehicle grocery-delivery program with technology partner Nuro; Kroger will provide the groceries, and Nuro the technology — and soon the vehicle, as well — to deliver them. The first phase, under way now, uses Nuro-equipped Toyota Prius hybrid sedans that have a seat and steering wheel for a human to intervene in case of a pending collision. Nuro’s own R1 driverless delivery van, bereft of seats or a steering wheel, will join the test program in the autumn. Yael Cosset, Kroger chief digital officer, views the program also as a test of customer demand for and interest in driverless delivery. The service will cost customers, who must reside in the store’s zip code, $5.95 per delivery. There’s no minimum order.
Kroger’s new autonomous-delivery service for groceries is under way in Arizona at a cost of $5.95 per delivery with no minimum order. PHOTO: KROGER
