CES 2019: Udelv's new self-driving van says hello ahead of Arizona trials
Cars
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Self driving cars are always a hot topic here at CES, but most of what you see could be years before it actually reaches the road, if it ever makes it to reality at all.
Thankfully, this van behind me is the opposite of that.
This is [UNKNOWN] second generation self driving van and, instead of disappearing into the ether after CES, it's getting put to work.
Udelv has introduced the second generation of its self driving van here at CES 2019 in Las Vegas.
Carrying the name Newton and based on a Ford Transit connect van it relies on open source autonomous driving software.
Specifically Baidiu's Apollo 3.5 platform which Volvo is also using to develop electric autonomous cars in China.
Udelv says that this level four system can work its speeds up to 60 miles an hour in an area measuring some 400 square miles.
Now, the biggest update in moving to this second generation van is the cargo system, believe it or not.
Udelv has a patent pending automated shelving system with these crazy adaptive shelves that kind of whip in and out and roll around.
And size themselves differently based on different packages in the car.
It can support up to 32 different packages simultaneously which sounds pretty good, unless you need to go to the bathroom.
Thankfully, these vans don't have that problem.
The Newton is meant for last and middle mile delivery, which means it'll likely be the van that brings groceries to your house, rather than the van that brings groceries from wholesalers to retailers.
And to that end, Udelv is partnering with Walmart and other companies announced later this year, where its vans will be used for autonomous deliveries in the Surprise, Arizona area.
Now eventually Udelv plans to deploy a hundred vans in 2019.
In addition to Surprise, Arizona a keen eye will eventually spot these vans self-driving their way around San Matteo, California and Houston, Texas.
Udolph plans to deploy about 100 of it's self driving vans over the course of 2019.
In addition to being based in Surprise, Arizona you'll also be able to find these vans rolling around in San Mateo, California and Houston, Texas.
Now while this van might not be the flashiest thing promising to eliminate your commute and make your life a breeze, logistics is a big industry and Newton could change it in a big way.
