Kroger, robotics startup partner on unmanned grocery delivery

Business news | July 2, 2018

By Rich Pell

Kroger is America’s largest supermarket retailer with a retail footprint of 2,800 stores in 35 states, while Nuro claims to be the maker of the world’s first fully unmanned road vehicle. Together, say the companies, they plan to redefine the grocery customer experience for consumers by piloting an on-road, fully autonomous delivery experience to “make the convenience of grocery delivery accessible and affordable for customers everywhere.”

With the partnership, customers will be able to place same-day delivery orders through Kroger’s ClickList online ordering system and with Nuro’s app. During the pilot program, orders will be delivered by Nuro’s fleet of autonomous vehicles – representing the first application and deployment of Nuro’s hardware and software.

“We are incredibly excited about the potential of our innovative partnership with Nuro to bring the future of grocery delivery to customers today,” says Yael Cosset, Kroger’s chief digital officer. “As part of Restock Kroger, we have already started to redefine the grocery customer experience and expand the coverage area for our anything, anytime, and anywhere offering. Partnering with Nuro, a leading technology company, will create customer value by providing Americans access to fast and convenient delivery at a fair price.”

On Nuro’s part, Dave Ferguson, co-founder of Nuro says, “Unmanned delivery will be a game-changer for local commerce, and together with Kroger, we’re thrilled to test this new delivery experience to bring grocery customers new levels of convenience and value. Our safe, reliable, and affordable service, combined with Kroger’s ubiquitous brand, is a powerful first step in our mission to accelerate the benefits of robotics for everyday life.”

The pilot market will be announced soon and is expected to begin this fall.