Self-driving technology came to the forefront of public knowledge when Google unveiled its Waymo model in 2009. However, autonomous driving technology dates back nearly 100 years. Records show that the concept of a driverless vehicle spans back centuries to the Middle Ages. Leonardo DiVinci himself penned a blueprint for a self-driving cart, but it wouldn’t be until 1939 that the first automated vehicle would be designed.

Fast-forward a couple of decades and self-driving cars are expected to become a natural part of society over the next several years. Major companies are testing out utilizing driverless vehicles to streamline delivery services, including Walmart.

Meet Nuro

Nuro is the product of a collaboration between Walmart and Silicon Valley. The self-driving delivery service is designed to expand Walmart’s commitment to accessibility and affordability to customers.

Currently, Nuro will be tested across Houston zip codes, but if it performs well, it will expand to other parts of the state and, eventually, the country. Nuro’s pilot will launch in 2020, and Walmart is the ideal test company for such an ambitious project.

Serving millions of people throughout America, Walmart is a household name, and its grocery deliveries help families stay full for less. Self-Driving delivery service is intended to provide greater convenience to customers.

A Giant Grows

Walmart is one of the largest retail corporations in the world. In the U.S., there are over 3,100 locations with 1,500 offering grocery delivery. The company also employes over 50,000 personal shoppers who fill delivery orders in-store, plucking items off shelves and assembling them into bags for transport.

Nuro has received a $1-billlon funding from the Softbank Vision Fund. The car was described as a “neighborhood-friendly” vehicle that will provide an on-demand service to Walmart’s customers.

This expansion will introduce more people to grocery delivery, which many may not be aware of or currently utilize. For the elderly, disabled and those who lack adequate transportation, Nuro could be a life-changer. Access to affordable food for low-income families is another challenge that Walmart strives to combat. By incorporating the delivery service, those with limited time can still get food while on a budget.

Embracing technology is more of a necessity than an option at this point. With 2020, it’s evident that self-driving cars are only the beginning of everyday technological evolution.