Autonomous deliveries to doorsteps have already been tested, but people would still at times have to go to store or order from app. A company is, however, easing it for us even further by bringing a mini grocery store to our doors via self-driving cars.
Instead of ordering from apps, San Francisco-based startup Robomart has partnered with grocery store chain Stop & Shop to bring small grocery stores to customers in an autonomous vehicle. The customer can call the self-driving vehicle and a selection of grocery items are brought to them.
Once the electric vehicle arrives, the customer can pick up desired items which are tracked with RFID and computer vision tech. When the person is done, they can send the vehicle away and a receipt will be send soon after. The customer is then charged through the app.
The vehicle will be temperature controlled to keep produce fresh. The items are restocked from Stop & Shop facilities throughout the day and observed via a remote pilot who can keep tabs on the vehicle’s journey and inventory.
The firm will begin testing to Boston-based customers from spring and start with items such as fruits, veggies and such, but it’s still a limited selection, as per Mashable.
“This is one way in which we’re leveraging new technology to make shopping easier for our customers - by essentially bringing the store to them,” said Mark McGowan, Stop & Shop President.