Since mid-April, the cars of General Motors Co’s self-driving unit Cruise have flashed a “SF COVID-19 Response” sign on their windshields as they deliver food from SF-Marin Food Bank and SF New Deal to seniors in need. Each car has two safety drivers; one wears a mask and gloves to drop bags off at the door. “What I do see is this pandemic really showing where self-driving vehicles can be of use in the future. That includes in contactless delivery like we’re doing here.” Toyota-backed Pony.ai said its cars are back on the street in California after a pause. None of those three companies are making any money from their deliveries, but are gaining experience and data on delivery operations, several operators said.

Source: Standard Digital April 30, 2020 04:52 UTC