News

Stop & Shop preps driverless cars for Boston delivery

January 21, 2019

Stop & Shop will launch a number of driverless groceries in the Greater Boston area starting this spring.

The vehicles will deliver select produce, as well as meal kits and convenience items, according to a press release.

The delivery approach is being developed with Robomart, a San Francisco startup. All Robomart vehicles are autonomous, electric and remotely piloted from a Robomart facility.

"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, in the release. "We also recognize that many of our customers want the opportunity to make their own choices when it comes to fresh produce, and we're proud to be the first retailer to engage with Robomart to address our customers' needs with their cutting-edge solution."

Boston customers will be able to summon a Robomart vehicle via a smartphone app. Upon arrival, customers unlock the vehicle's doors, then personally select the fruits, vegetables, and other products they would like to purchase. When finished they close the doors and send the vehicle on its way. The vehicles' RFID and computer vision technology automatically records what customers select to provide a checkout-free experience, and receipts are e-mailed within seconds, according to the release.

"For decades, consumers had the convenience of their local greengrocer and milkman coming door to door, and we believe that by leveraging driverless technology we can recreate that level of convenience and accessibility," said Ali Ahmed, founder and CEO of Robomart, in the release. "We're extremely excited to bring our vision to life with Stop & Shop, one of the most pioneering and forward-thinking grocery chains in the world."