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Albertsons Cos. pilots grocery delivery option

Albertsons Cos.

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BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. is testing a remote-controlled, zero-emission delivery cart in Northern California, the retailer said Friday.

Albertsons Tortoise“Our team is obsessed with trying new and disruptive technologies that can bring more convenience for our customers,” said Albertsons Cos. chief customer and digital officer Chris Rupp. “We are willing to quickly test, learn, and implement winning innovations that ensure we are offering the easiest and most convenient shopping experience in the entire industry.”

The Safeway delivery cart, powered by Tortoise, is equipped with a camera and a speaker and is guided through the neighborhood by a remote operator. The cart can hold up to 120 pounds of groceries in four lockable containers and is designed to provide a contactless delivery experience.

When the cart arrives at a home, the customer receives a text to come outside and pick up their groceries. The carts are safe, powered by an electric battery and traveling at an average speed of 3 miles per hour. During the initial test in select Northern California neighborhoods, each delivery carts is being escorted by a Safeway associate.

The pilot delivery program is the latest example of Albertsons Cos.’s efforts to bring innovation and disruption to its growing e-commerce business and make the shopping experience more convenient for customers, according to the company, which said it is also piloting pickup lockers and an automated pickup kiosk at select Jewel-Osco locations.

 

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