Nuro is making a pivot from developing delivery robots to licensing out its advanced, autonomous tech.
The company is known for its self-driving delivery robots that drive on public roads, setting itself apart from the smaller, sidewalk delivery robots that are becoming more common sight.
Founded in 2016 by former Google self-driving car project veterans Dave Ferguson and Jiajun Zhu, the startup spent the past eight years developing three generations of autonomous delivery robots in California and Texas. Nuro formed partnerships with major retailers like Kroger and a 10-year collaboration with Uber, delivering for Uber Eats in select cities.
However, following several rounds of layoffs and capital challenges, Nuro has decided to halt production of its own robotics and instead focus on making its AI-powered, self-driving tech, available to other companies.
Tech can transport goods and humans
The company is not only eyeing delivery providers but also ride-hailing services. Nuro says its technology dubbed, “Nuro Driver” has advanced to the point that it can transport both goods and people and aims to target robotaxi markets with its Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.
Nuro’s transition is also influenced by the challenging regulatory landscape surrounding autonomous vehicles. The company was the first to achieve fully autonomous vehicle operations in three states (Arizona, California, and Texas) and the first to obtain an autonomous deployment permit from California DMV.
With its technology now ready for more diverse applications, Nuro aims to address both the delivery and passenger transport world.
Jiajun Zhu, Nuro’s co-founder and CEO said it’s not a question of “if, but when” L4 autonomy will be widespread. “We believe Nuro is positioned to be a major contributor to this autonomous future, enhancing mobility for people and goods and significantly improving quality of life,” Zhu stated.
Self-driving cars are on the roads today in increasing numbers with companies like Waymo, and Cruise scaling. However, according to a survey by Forbes of 2000 Americans, 93 percent have concerns about self-driving cars, with safety and tech malfunctions topping the list. And 91 percent of Americans have never been in a self-driving car.
Although Nuro hasn’t announced new licensing deals yet, perhaps something will come out of its existing partnerships with Uber as well as its collab with Toyota’s venture arm, Woven Capital.
Over the past four years, Nuro has driven over 1 million miles autonomously in various states, including Arizona, Texas and California.
