Supermarket retailer Kroger is to test grocery delivery using Nuro’s robots. Credit: The Verge.

US-based supermarket retailer Kroger has partnered with driverless delivery vehicle maker Nuro to launch a self-driving grocery delivery pilot in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The pilot programme will see Kroger testing grocery delivery using Nuro’s robots at a Fry’s Food Stores location in the US city.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Customers can place their order via frysfood.com or the Fry’s Food Stores mobile app based on slot availability for $5.95 flat fee. The no-minimum orders can be scheduled for same-day or next-day delivery.

Nuro’s self-driving delivery vehicles will deliver groceries to customers at their curb, safely and quickly.

The customer will use an access code to open the doors when the vehicle arrives in their driveway.

“Our pilot with Nuro will help us test and learn to understand customer acceptance of autonomous vehicles in our seamless offering.”

Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane said: “Scottsdale is proud to be the home of Kroger and Nuro’s partnership. We welcome innovative technology that can benefit the lives of Scottsdale residents.

“We feel this partnership holds tremendous potential and promise, and offers our residents real, not-yet-experienced convenience for everyday routines.”

Kroger chief digital officer Yael Cosset added: “Kroger wants to bring more customers the convenience of affordable grocery delivery, and our pilot with Nuro will help us test and learn to understand customer acceptance of autonomous vehicles in our seamless offering.”

Nuro will deploy its self-driving Toyota Prius fleet for the testing and will introduce its custom R1 driverless vehicle by the end of the year.

Kroger serves more than nine million customers daily through digital shopping and 2,779 retail food stores under different banner names.