The United States Department of Transportation, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, recently signed off on an exception for Nuro's autonomous vehicle named the R2. The exception gives Nuro the ability to test the R2 on public roads, and it also allows the company to change out mirrors for cameras and sensors, as well as changing the shape of the vehicle.
The ability to test the vehicle on public roads will allow the company to make preparations as it moves to deliver items to customers. The company also spoke about the exception, "Federal vehicle standards were written for today's passenger cars and trucks. But at Nuro, we're building something entirely different: a zero-occupant vehicle."
Autonomous Vehicle Test Approval
Nuro Received an Exception to Operate the R2 on Public Roads
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Delivery Vehicle Testing - Nuro's exception to operate its R2 on public roads sets a trend for other autonomous delivery vehicle manufacturers to acquire test permits.
2. Operator-free Transportation - The development of Nuro's zero-occupant vehicle trend indicates that future transportation systems might prioritize operator-free designs.
3. Alternative Vehicle Designs - Nuro's ability to change out mirrors for cameras and sensors and alter the vehicle's shape is a sign that autonomous vehicle manufacturers may explore alternative vehicle designs.
Industry Implications
1. Autonomous Delivery - The autonomous delivery industry may benefit from automating traditional last-mile logistics services with zero-occupant vehicles.
2. Transportation Technology - The development of zero-occupant vehicles can revolutionize the transportation industry through efficient and cost-effective automated deliveries.
3. Camera and Sensor Manufacturing - Manufacturers of advanced cameras and sensors could see increased demand if replacing vehicle mirrors with these components become commonplace.