Startup Targets Autonomous Delivery Vehicles

Nuro, a Silicon Valley startup launched in 2016 by a pair of former Google Inc. engineers, is developing a self-driving, electric delivery pod that the company aims to begin testing on U.S. roads later this year.

Designed to maximize cargo space, the vehicle doesn’t have a steering wheel, foot pedals, seats, doors, windows or any other amenities. That’s because it isn’t intended to transport people—ever.

The 1,500-lb vehicle is about the same length and width of a compact crossover vehicle, but it is half as wide to allow it to maneuver into tighter spaces. A faux windshield is included to make the otherwise odd-shaped vehicle look somewhat normal for the sake of other motorists.

The interior can be customized for various applications, such as refrigerated and heated compartments for groceries, hanging racks for dry cleaning or removable storage bays with anchoring straps. Users can access interior compartments via a keypad or smartphone app.

Nuro demonstrated a prototype of the vehicle on Tuesday and says it is now talking with potential manufacturing partners and customers.

Co-founders Jiajun Zhu and Dave Ferguson have raised $92 million during the company’s first two rounds of funding. They also have hired several other industry experts, including former engineers and executives from Apple, Google, Tesla and Uber.

More information about the company and a video of the vehicle driving is available on Nuro’s website.