Udelv will utilise a cargo van to deliver fresh groceries. Credit: Walmart Inc.

Walmart has partnered with autonomous vehicle company Udelv to test driverless technology for the grocery pickup and delivery service in the US.

The retailer’s latest move is aimed at exploring new ways to enhance customer experiences. It will launch the pilot programme in Surprise, Arizona in collaboration with Udelv.

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Udelv will leverage a cargo van designed to deliver groceries to customers, which are hand-picked by the retailer’s personal shoppers.

Walmart US Digital Operations senior vice-president Tom Ward said: “We’re still learning, it’s a pilot, but, we want to make sure we stay on the cutting-edge of grocery delivery by exploring what’s new and next.

"We want to make sure we stay on the cutting-edge of grocery delivery by exploring what’s new and next."

“For example, we recently explored a few pilot projects with other self-driving car companies to start understanding how customers will want to use the technology when it comes to their grocery shopping.

“We’ve said it before: there’s no telling what innovation the future will bring. But, Walmart is committed to staying on the forefront of change to make getting groceries simple, quick, and easy.”

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In November last year, the global retailer partnered with US automaker Ford Motor to explore grocery delivery with self-driving cars.

The partnership focussed on the launch of a pilot programme in Miami-Dade County, Florida, to test autonomous grocery delivery to customers.

Postmates is already a partner of both Ford and Walmart. It is serving as the delivery partner for this pilot programme.