Nuro, a Mountain View-based company, has recently received approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to test its latest self-driving delivery vehicle, the R3, in four Bay Area cities. This marks a significant milestone for the company as it demonstrates the maturing technology of its autonomous vehicles. The R3 is an upgrade from Nuro’s previous fleet, boasting a larger size, increased speed, and longer range on a single charge.
Unlike its predecessors, the R3 is designed specifically for delivering goods rather than transporting passengers. However, Nuro’s Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Chapin, hinted at the possibility of expanding the vehicle’s capabilities in the future. With advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, there is potential for the R3 to serve other purposes beyond local goods delivery.
Nuro’s partnership with Uber Eats has already seen successful pilots with its Toyota Prius fleet operating in autonomous mode. The R3 is expected to follow a similar delivery process and functionality, but with the notable absence of a safety driver. This latest vehicle is permitted to operate at all times of day or night, as well as in light rain and moderate fog, with a maximum speed of 45 mph.
The increased speed of the R3 opens up opportunities for broader deployment areas, with plans to test commercial delivery services in Houston in addition to the Bay Area. Nuro aims to serve approximately 150,000 people across these two metro areas by the end of the year. Despite the faster pace, Nuro emphasizes its commitment to safety, boasting a record of over one million autonomous miles with no at-fault incidents.
While there have been a few minor incidents involving Nuro’s self-driving vehicles this year, the company has worked closely with local jurisdictions to prioritize public safety. Building trust within the community and maintaining positive relationships with governments are key priorities for Nuro as it continues to roll out its autonomous technology. The company has conducted much of its testing in Mountain View, where it plans to showcase the R3 at the upcoming Arts and Wine Festival in September.
Overall, Nuro’s approval to test the R3 in multiple Bay Area cities signifies a significant step forward in the development of autonomous delivery vehicles. With a focus on safety, innovation, and community engagement, Nuro is poised to revolutionize the way goods are transported in urban environments.