Uber to launch driverless deliveries

THE ride share company announced a partnership with global driverless technology company Motional on Thursday, implementing Motional’s all-electric vehicles to deliver orders to Uber Eats users starting in 2022.

The pilot programme will deliver meal kits from select restaurants on Uber Eats app around the Santa Monica area of Los Angeles, the company said in a press release.

Motional is providing Uber its next-generation, all-electric Hyundai

IONIQ 5-based robotaxi with built-in modifications for autonomous deliveries, the release said.

This partnership marks Uber’s first-ever on-road partnership with an autonomous vehicle technology company.

The self-driving technology industry grows more competitive as

AV companies, like Tesla,Zoox, and Waymo, continue to test — and struggle with — their self-driving capabilities, while delivery companies like Uber Eats attempt to capitalise on the growing space.

“Our consumers and merchant partners have come to expect convenience, reliability and innovation from Uber, and this collaboration represents a huge opportunity to meet — and exceed — those expectations,” Sarfraz Maredia, and Head of Uber Eats in the & Canada, said in the press release.

Motional, a joint enterprise between Hyundai Moto Group and auto supplier Aptiv, also makes its first venture into driverless delivery with the Uber partnership.

However, the company said in November it was partnering with Uber competitor, Lyft, on a driverless robotaxi program in Las Vegas expected to launch in 2023. — BusinessInsider.