Nuro to deliver prescriptions and essential items using autonomous vehicles in Houston

May 28, 2020 | AUVSI News

Nuro has officially entered into the health space with its announced partnership with CVS Pharmacy. 

Starting in June, Nuro’s fleet of autonomous vehicles will be used to deliver prescriptions and essentials across three zip codes in Houston, Texas.

“We see this moment as an important stepping stone toward delivering all kinds of goods, beyond food and groceries,” Nuro says.

“It is progress towards building a future where through moving goods instead of people, we can lessen the need for unnecessary trips, save time, and create a safer and more convenient way of getting the things we need.”

The service will start with CVS customers in the Houston pilot area placing prescription orders on CVS.com or via the CVS Pharmacy app. If they select the autonomous delivery option, one of Nuro’s autonomous Prius vehicles will deliver the purchase curbside at the customer’s address within three hours.

When Nuro’s autonomous vehicle arrives curbside at a customer’s home, the customer will have to confirm their identification to unlock their delivery. Deliveries will be free to all CVS Pharmacy customers.

To start, Nuro’s autonomous Prius fleet will be used to make the deliveries. In the coming months, Nuro’s custom-built delivery bot, R2, will be used to make deliveries. 

“Today, more than ever, we believe autonomous delivery can improve people’s everyday lives,” Nuro says.

“Maintaining our health and safety has never felt so critical. It has become increasingly important for people — from senior citizens to adults to children — to be able to safely access prescriptions and other things they need without needing to leave their homes.”