Intel subsidiary Mobileye is partnering with autonomous vehicle manufacturer Udelv to launch a fully autonomous delivery service in 2023.
“Our deal with Udelv is significant for its size, scope and rapid deployment timeline, demonstrating our ability to deliver Mobileye Drive for commercial use now and in volume,” said Prof. Amnon Shashua, Mobileye president and CEO.
“COVID-19 has accelerated demand for autonomous goods delivery, and we are delighted to partner with Udelv to address this demand in the near term.”
The companies expect to have more than 35,000 delivery “Transporters” on city roads by 2028. Each Transporter has a top speed of 65mph but other specs like range haven’t yet been disclosed. If a Transporter gets into difficulties then it can be prompted remotely by a human operator.
Commercial fleet leasing and management firm Donlen has already pre-ordered 1,000 Transporters.
“We are thrilled to be the first customer for the Udelv Transporter,” said Tom Callahan, president of Donlen. “The combination of Udelv’s zero-emissions Transporter and automated delivery management system with Mobileye Drive will enable sweeping delivery cost reductions, make our roads safer, and lower carbon emissions across America.”
Last-mile delivery accounts for 53 percent of the cost of distributing goods. With last-mile delivery volume expected to increase by up to 80 percent by 2030, it’s predicted that around 36 percent more delivery vehicles will be required. A shortage of drivers is already causing problems.
Daniel Laury, CEO and co-founder of Udelv, said: “Mobileye is the only company providing a full-stack self-driving system with commercial viability and scale today.
“The readiness of Mobileye Drive, along with its vast map coverage of North America, Europe, and Asia, will allow us to ramp up the production and deployment of Udelv Transporters and rapidly offer the service at scale to our expanding list of customers.”
In Europe, Mobileye is planning to launch autonomous shuttles with TransdevATS and Lohr Group. The company also plans to deploy a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Israel early next year.
(Image Credit: Mobileye)
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