UPS and Waymo have partnered to test picking up packages using an autonomous vehicle in the Metro Phoenix area.
Through the pilot, packages will be shuttled from The UPS Store locations via Waymo’s Chrysler Pacifica minivans to a local UPS sorting facility for processing.
“UPS and Waymo are exploring automated and autonomous technologies to enhance network operations,” says Scott Price, UPS chief strategy and transformation officer.
“Getting packages to our sortation facilities sooner and more frequently, while also creating an opportunity for later drop-offs for next-day service, can add enormous value for our customers.”
Pilot Projects
Pilot Projects
Coca-Cola European Partners to use Einride's autonomous vehicle to transport goods in Sweden
To expand in digitalized distribution in its Swedish distribution network, Coca-Cola European Partners will begin using Einride’s autonomous, electric transport system with the launch of a commercial pilot at its facility in Jordbro outside Stockholm.
Through the pilot, Einride’s autonomous vehicle, known as the Einride Pod, will be introduced into a real transportation flow, and will be used to transport goods from Coca-Cola European Partners’ warehouse to food retailer Axfood’s warehouse in the same area.
DJI joins Memphis UAS IPP team
The Memphis UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP) team has announced that DJI has joined the Memphis IPP team at Memphis International Airport.
To explore the safety and efficiency benefits of small UAS applications at the Memphis International Airport, the Memphis IPP team is using DJI UAS for a variety of operations including for FedEx aircraft inspections, to deliver FedEx aircraft parts in day and night operations, and to provide airport perimeter security.
“DJI is excited to show how drone technology can improve the safety and efficiency of operations, even at an airport,” says Brendan Schulman, DJI vice president of Policy & Legal Affairs.
Navya launches autonomous shuttles in Lyon, France
In an effort to support the technological development of the public transport network in Lyon, France, Navya has launched two autonomous shuttles in the city that will be fully integrated into Lyon's public transport network over the next two years.
The shuttles will provide a regular service Mondays through Saturdays, except on match days and during other events.
Virginia establishes itself as a place to be for all things unmanned
Virginia is for lovers, but it is also the place to be for innovation when it comes to all things unmanned, according to speakers during the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) Autonomous Technology Summit on Thursday, Nov. 7, in Fairfax.
“I absolutely believe the potential for autonomous vehicles, whether in air, on land, in sea … could be as much of a revolution as wireless was,” said Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, an early investor in the cellular telephone business and cofounder of the company that would become Nextel.
Perrone Robotics, Albemarle County successfully conclude autonomous shuttle trial in Virginia
Perrone Robotics Inc. (PRI) and Albemarle County, Virginia recently wrapped up a three-month trial period of free public demonstration rides on the Autonomous Vehicle, Neighborhood Use (AVNU) shuttle.
During the trial, the AVNU shuttle drove fully autonomously—with a safety monitor onboard—on public roads in Crozet, Virginia, navigating a variety of real-world conditions including vehicle, bike, and pedestrian traffic through intersections and roundabouts. The shuttle drove more than 530 miles and carried 750 passengers with no interventions required.
Wing, FedEx launch landmark UAS delivery service in Virginia
On Friday, Oct. 18, Wing, in collaboration with FedEx Express, completed a scheduled commercial residential delivery using a UAS to a home in Christiansburg, Virginia, marking the launch of the first scheduled, commercial residential drone delivery service, and the first scheduled e-commerce delivery via drone delivery trial in the United States.
Local Motors' Olli autonomous shuttles began operating at Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners
After winning Local Motors' Atlanta Olli Fleet Challenge, the City of Peachtree Corners has announced that Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners deployed Local Motors’ Olli autonomous shuttle on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in its smart city living laboratory, which is a 1.5-mile-long autonomous vehicle test track.
Attendees of the launch got the opportunity to take short rides in the driverless shuttle.
AirMap, fellow UAS Service Suppliers provide UTM services for UTM Pilot Program
Earlier this summer, AirMap participated in the FAA’s UTM Pilot Program (UPP) under Virginia Tech’s Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP), which was designated as one of three UAS Test Sites for the UPP in January.
Designed to advance the findings made during NASA Technical Capability Level (TCL) drone trials and transition them to the FAA for future implementation and rulemaking, the UPP is one of the pilot programs that U.S. government agencies have been conducting over the years to demonstrate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights and other advanced operations under real-world conditions.
