An autonomous same-day delivery solution for grocers in the USA has been launched by end-to-end digital commerce solution provider Self Point and remote-controlled home delivery company Tortoise.
Self Point’s digital commerce software platform, said to be the first-of-its-kind, will offer a contactless delivery option for local grocers that also enables them to build and manage their own inventory and leverage advanced fulfilment methods online.
Orlee Tal, CEO of Self Point, said: “We expect this partnership to lay the groundwork for the future of local grocery online shopping and delivery, allowing neighbourhood retailers to meet growing demands, increase margins on e-commerce orders, and provide the most eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution available today.”
The solution uses Tortoise’s remote-controlled cart, which is driven by trained tele-operators and can deliver to addresses within three miles of a store. It travels at 7mph and is fully electric for zero-emission delivery.
The “pick-up truck” design, which which grocers can brand, features modular containers for cold and heat storage and carries over 100 lb of goods.
Once the cart arrives at the desired location, the operator unlocks the container and notifies both the customer and the store of the completed delivery.
Dmitry Shevelenko, president of Tortoise, added: “Self Point’s platform enables us to reach many local grocers, and we are thrilled to offer a safe, affordable and truly innovative way for people to receive their groceries.”
