Google Patent Teases Self-Driving Delivery Trucks

Amazon and Google are both tinkering with drone-based delivery systems, but Google is likewise eyeing a more down-to-earth approach.

As reported by Quartz, a patent awarded to Google this calendar week points to self-driving delivery trucks with compartments that conduct private packages (like an autonomous Amazon locker on wheels).

Hither's how it could work, according to the patent: customers' packages are loaded onto a commitment truck'southward pocket-size storage lockers, which tin can be opened from the exterior of the vehicle using a keypad. The "autonomous road vehicle" and so drives a specified route to each customer's address. Once it arrives, the customer will become a text message alert with the access code and how long the truck will wait for him or her to open the locker and collect the parcel.

Dwell periods would be based on "factors such as the value of the bundle, atmospheric condition weather, and the nature of the destination, history of interaction with the addressee, and addressee preferences."

If there are any traffic delays, all customers who take packages on the truck will receive updates alerting them to the estimated arrival fourth dimension. The patent even suggests that recipients can swipe a credit carte du jour to unlock and pay for their purchases on the spot. Presumably, mobile payment systems like Android Pay would likewise be accepted, but the patent was filed in 2022 before its inception.

The patent is vague on how the cocky-driving role of the truck would really work, but given Google's very public enquiry into cocky-driving cars, we tin only assume that the engineering would be similar.

It'southward too early to tell what Google'due south plans are for this delivery system. The company did non immediately respond to a asking for comment. If it does determine to pursue the self-driving commitment truck, the most significant hurdles will exist regulatory.

Amazon's drones have already been tested in real-world conditions. They but need concluding FAA approval. So if Google does plan to launch a footing-based challenge to Amazon's commitment plans, it all comes down to who tin convince government regulators to let them wing--or drive--first. And, of grade, patents do non always translate into products.

Google, meanwhile, has already experimented with delivery services, albeit with man drivers and mixed results.

This commodity originally appeared on PCMag.com.

Source: https://sea.pcmag.com/cars-auto/10147/google-patent-teases-self-driving-delivery-trucks

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