Local grocery giant to test self-driving delivery van

San Antonio based H-E-B has partnered up with California based Udelv that will be using self-driving technology with one Autonomous Delivery Vehicle (ADV) that soon will be hitting the streets.

The local grocery giant will be serving 5-miles out of the Olmos Park H-E-B, which is just north of downtown San Antonio. Current customers who already use curbside and delivery will be eligible for the program with an e-mail invitation.

During the first phase of the delivery pilot program, the vehicle will have a driver on board. If the initiative goes according to plan without incidents, the next phase will be fully driverless. H-E-B will always be able to takeover any vehicle remotely.

Customers will be able to access their purchases from a climate controlled compartment using an app for mobile devices.

“Our success starts with our people, who provide exceptional hospitality and drive us to open more engaging stores that offer a world-class shopping experience,” said Craig Boyan, H-E-B President. “We’re committed to winning through people and hiring more people, and we’re adding necessary skills to become both a better tech company and even stronger brick-and-mortar retailer.”

Back in 2017, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill to allow autonomous vehicles on Texas roads.

H-E-B says if customers love it, they will expand the program.