FedEx and Nuro, an artificial intelligence robotics company, have entered a multi-year, multi-phase agreement to test Nuro’s next-generation autonomous delivery vehicle within FedEx operations through a pilot program that launched in April across the Houston area.
This pilot has spearheaded Nuro’s expansion into parcel logistics and allows FedEx to explore various use cases for on-road autonomous vehicle logistics, including multi-stop and appointment-based deliveries for autonomous same-day and specialty delivery devices.
FedEx believes that continued innovation and automation will improve safety, efficiency, and productivity for the company’s more than 570,000 team members as they continue to move the world forward.
“FedEx was built on innovation, and it continues to be an integral part of our culture and business strategy,” said Rebecca Yeung, vice president of advanced technology and innovation at FedEx. “We are excited to collaborate with an industry leader like Nuro as we continue to explore the use of autonomous technologies within our operations.”
Nuro has been developing and testing its self-driving technology for nearly five years, including on-road deployment in multiple cities and industry-first regulatory approvals. The company has established partnerships with companies within grocery, restaurant, and pharmacy verticals.
“Working with FedEx—the global leader in logistics—is an incredible opportunity to rethink every aspect of local delivery,” Cosimo Leipold, head of partnerships at Nuro, said. This multi-year commitment will allow us to truly collaborate and bring Nuro’s powerful technology to more people in new ways, and eventually reach large-scale deployment. Our collaboration will enable innovative, industry-first product offerings that will better everyday life and help make communities safer and greener.”
