Nuro

The company made regulatory history in 2020 when it became the first entity to receive an exemption from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) allowing a vehicle without traditional occupant-protection equipment to operate on public roads. This exemption recognized that Nuro's vehicles, which carry goods rather than people, pose different safety considerations than passenger vehicles. The ruling set an important precedent for the regulation of delivery robots.

Nuro's third-generation vehicle, the R3, represents a major step toward commercial scalability. The R3 was designed to be manufactured at automotive-grade production volumes, addressing one of the key challenges that limited earlier generations. The vehicle features a modular cargo bay that can be configured for different delivery types, from hot food to cold groceries. Nuro has partnerships with major retailers and restaurant chains for last-mile delivery services.

The company has raised over $2 billion in funding, including a major investment from Google. Nuro has tested and operated its delivery robots in several markets, including Houston, Phoenix, and Mountain View. While the autonomous delivery space faces questions about unit economics and scalability, Nuro's focused approach, regulatory firsts, and partnerships with major retailers position it as a leader in the autonomous last-mile delivery segment.