Asda to trial self-driving delivery vans
Wayve and Asda will partner to trial autonomous delivery vans as part of the retailer’s last mile operation.
The trial will begin in early 2022 and Asda will be the first to commercially test the solution, using Wayve’s expertise in deep learning to help navigate complex urban delivery routes in London.
The move comes amid a surge in the adoption of new technologies across the grocery sector following the coronavirus pandemic and its dramatic spike in demand for online groceries and more contactless shopping.
Asda’s vice president of online grocery Simon Gregg said: “We want to explore how autonomous vehicle technology can enhance our operating model as well as the experience for our colleagues and customers.”
Wayve’s chief executive Alex Kendall added: “Last mile delivery represents an ideal first use case for the Wayve Driver, which can navigate the complexities of urban driving and easily adapt to new routes.
“We are excited to be working with Asda as our first commercial partner. They have a proven track record of delivering innovations in online grocery shopping that improve customer experiences. This makes them an ideal partner to support the development of autonomous vehicle technology.”
