By the end of 2021, Argo AI plans to begin last-mile deliveries for Walmart using automated Ford Escapes in Miami, Austin and Washington DC
A robust cloud platform that enables partners to summon vehicles quickly to do a task and then move on can go a long way to achieving that high utilization. ArgoWatch is intended to enable this capability, much like the Uber and Lyft platforms do currently in connecting human drivers with either passengers or businesses that need products delivered.
Argo will be using the same fleet of vehicles for the Lyft and Walmart operations so it’s possible that one of the Ford Escape hybrids could drop off a passenger, be summoned to a nearby Walmart where it will be loaded with an order to deliver and then go to pick up another passenger for a ride.
According to Cynthia Kwon, VP of strategy and business development at Argo AI, “more partners are coming.” Argo and Ford have been working extensively with local businesses in Miami and elsewhere to test delivery operations. Making the AV fleet available to as many users as possible will contribute to vehicle utilization. Kwon isn’t committing to any specific timeline at this point, saying that this will be a “phased launch.
Last mile deliveries probably won’t be the only use case for Argo. Like Gatik, middle mile deliveries between stores and distribution centers are another prime market for AVs. Ford has commercial vehicles that are ideally suited to this use case in the Transit and Transit Connect vans and both seem like likely candidates for automation. In fact something like the next-generation Transit Connect would be a prime candidate to eventually replace the Escape.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joaquin Quiñonero Candela has left Facebook's Responsible AI teamBusiness Insider tells the global tech, finance, markets, media, healthcare, and strategy stories you want to know.
Read more »
The U.S, is the only nation with ethical standard for AI weapons. Should we be afraid?NEW COVER: Artificial Intelligence technology is on the verge of transforming the nature of war and conflict, capable of deciding when and even whom to kill from afar. Read Here:
Read more »
Ford Stops Making Cars In India, The Third U.S. Vehicle Maker To ExitFord Motor Company announced last week that it would stop producing cars in India as the global auto industry continues to grapple with a shortfall in semiconductors and other components due to supply chain disruptions.
Read more »
AOC Turned Around and Made the Ultimate Statement at Her First Met Gala: 'Tax the Rich'For her first Met Gala, congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wore a statement-making 'Tax the Rich' dress by Brother Vellies.
Read more »
Tesla, Toyota spar with Ford, UAW over EV tax billToyota Motor Corp and Tesla clashed with Ford Motor Co and the United Auto Workers (UAW) union over a proposal by Democrats in the U.S. House to give union-made, U.S.-built electric vehicles an additional $4,500 tax incentive.
Read more »