Uber Will Begin Self-Driving Food Deliveries In California In Early 2022
Image via Motional / PR Newswire
Uber has revealed that it will be teaming up with Motional, the self-driving arm of Hyundai, to begin autonomous food deliveries in California, beginning in early 2022.
The service will start off with meals from select restaurants in Santa Monica, though it’s unclear if and when it will be expanded to other regions in the state.
The duo have been piloting a robotaxi program in Las Vegas over the last three years, with a recent announcement confirming a driverless ride-hailing service will be launched in the city come 2023.
Californians choosing the new service will receive their food via special models of Hyundai’s fully-electric IONIQ-5 cars, which have been customized by the firm to be able to operate autonomously. As with other self-driving operations, a safety driver will be present in the vehicles at all times to take over control of the car when needed.
According to Reuters, the companies have yet to issue instructions to customers, who may have to walk to the vehicles to receive their meals instead of having it brought to their doorstep.
“We’re excited to partner with Motional to test a new kind of delivery for Uber Eats consumers in 2022,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Head of Uber Eats in the US and Canada.
“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.”
[via Reuters, cover image via Motional / PR Newswire]
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