Nuro Approved for Autonomous Delivery in California

Autonomous vehicle company Nuro received the California’s first commercial permit for autonomous delivery, paving the way for the self-driving vehicles to begin delivering pizza, food and groceries in the coming year. 

Nuro has been testing the autonomous vehicles on public roads without drivers, now the robotics-startup can start its paid service, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

"Issuing the first deployment permit is a significant milestone in the evolution of autonomous vehicles in California. We will continue to keep the safety of the motoring public in mind as this technology develops," said Steve Gordon, DMV director, in a statement. 

Modified Toyata Priuses will start delivering in two areas near Nuro's Mountain View, Calif., headquarters, reports Business Insider. 

In Houston, Nuro began testing its R2 unmanned delivery vehicles in partnership with Domino's Pizza in 2019.  

Nuro has been working towards autonomous delivery in the Golden State for a few years. In 2017, California had granted Nuro approval to test its vehicles with safety drivers inside. On Jan. 16, the California DMV began approving new applications for autonomous delivery vehicles that weigh less than 10,001 pounds. In April 2020, the DMV said the company could begin testing without drivers.