Kroger and Nuro launch first-ever unmanned delivery service. Credit: PRNewsfoto/The Kroger Co.

Supermarket chain Kroger and Silicon Valley startup Nuro have launched an unmanned delivery service in Arizona, US.

The companies have been testing the new delivery service in a pilot scheme since August and have completed around 1,000 deliveries.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

As part of the pilot scheme, the companies operated an autonomous Prius fleet accompanied by vehicle operators. With the latest launch, the fleet has been expanded to include Nuro’s custom unmanned vehicle R1.

Nuro has been developing the R1 vehicle since 2016. The tech start-up announced its partnership with Kroger in June.

Nuro president and co-founder Dave Ferguson said: “Nuro envisions a world without errands, where everything is on-demand and can be delivered affordably. Operating a delivery service using our custom unmanned vehicles is an important first step toward that goal.”

“Our autonomous delivery pilot with Nuro over the past few months continues to prove the benefit of the flexible and reliable technology.”

Kroger chief digital officer Yael Cosset said: “Kroger customers are looking for new, convenient ways to feed their families and purchase the products they need quickly through services like pickup and delivery.

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.

“Our autonomous delivery pilot with Nuro over the past few months continues to prove the benefit of the flexible and reliable technology. Through this exciting and innovative partnership, we are delivering a great customer experience and advancing Kroger’s commitment to redefine the grocery experience by creating an ecosystem that offers our customers anything, anytime, and anywhere.”

Kroger saw 60% growth in digital sales in Q3 2018, and its coverage area now reaches more than 90% of households in the Scottsdale area. Orders do not carry a minimum value and will be delivered on either the same day as ordering or the following day for $5.95.

In addition, orders will be delivered by Nuro’s fleet of self-driving vehicles, which consists of R1 and self-driving Prius vehicles.

Kroger serves more than nine million customers a day and has 2,779 retail food stores.