The R3 is not just a mobile snack bar, but is envisioned for all sorts of deliveries. Nuro has partnered with companies like FedEx, Walmart, Dominoes, 7-Eleven, UberEats and Kroger to explore various uses for the electric delivery pod. The company is currently licensed for autonomous operation and testing in California and Texas, with plans to bring the R3 into operation by late 2024.
Key takeaways:
- The Nuro R3 is a compact robotic delivery truck developed by Nuro, a robotics software developer founded by former Waymo engineers. It uses AI-powered autonomous driving software and hardware package to navigate and avoid obstacles.
- The R3 is equipped with a 360-degree array of lidar, radar, thermal camera and optical camera sensors, and external pedestrian airbags for safety in high pedestrian density areas.
- The R3 operates on a battery electric platform and powertrain built in partnership with Chinese EV giant BYD, with an estimated range of around 100 miles per charge. It's expected to gain additional range with the switch to Nvidia's Thor computing architecture.
- Nuro has partnered with companies like FedEx, Walmart, Dominoes, 7-Eleven, UberEats and Kroger and is exploring various uses for the R3, from delivering packages and groceries to hot pizza. The company plans to bring the R3 online and on the road in late 2024.