Frequently Asked Questions
AUTONOMOUS DRIVING
How advanced is Udelv’s autonomy?
The Udelv vehicle is built for Level 4 autonomy. Level 4 autonomy means that the automated vehicle can perform all aspects of driving by itself within geo-fenced areas called ODDs (Operating Design Domains). Outside of these areas, the vehicle must be able to safely abort the trip (i.e. park the car) if an operator in the vehicle, or a tele-operator, does not retake control. To see a video of a Udelv vehicle driving autonomously, click here.
Where is Udelv operating?
Udelv already operates in selected ODDs in the San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, AZ, and Houston, TX, with a safety driver. Upon client demand, Udelv can operate in all states where a legislation has been enacted. Initially, Udelv will operate its vehicles with the assistance of a safety driver. We will work towards training the machine to operate autonomously where allowed by law.
Is autonomous driving legal in the USA?
As of June, 2018, 33 states have introduced legislation and 29 have enacted legislation related to autonomous vehicles: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. Governors in Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Washington and Wisconsin have issued executive orders related to autonomous vehicles. Some states have passed more advanced legislation than others. Arizona’s Governor has authorized the operation of autonomous vehicles without a safety driver. In April 2018, California enacted a law allowing the issuance of fully driverless vehicle permits with no safety drivers under certain conditions and a $5 million liability insurance. The National Conference on State Legislatures has a new autonomous vehicles legislative database providing up-to-date information about state legislation in the 50 states. At the Federal level, the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) released new federal guidelines for Automated Driving Systems (ADS) in September 2017. Additionally, in September 2017, the House of Representatives passed the SELF Drive Act (H.R. 3388) that aims to expand the federal jurisdiction and issue up to 100,000 exemptions to FMVSS standards for fully driverless vehicles in the US. The Senate unveiled similar legislation, the AV START Act, a few days later, and is now debating it for potential passage in 2018.
What are tele-operations?
Udelv developed a robust tele-operations system to monitor the autonomous fleet and remotely drive any Udelv vehicle in the USA. This will help vehicles navigate short, complex drives (like parking garages) for the first time.
How is autonomous driving different for a delivery vehicle than a passenger car?
A delivery vehicle does not carry passengers. Therefore, it can take a safer approach to driving that includes going slower and always protecting the environment over the payload.
EXPERIENCE
How does an autonomous delivery work?
1. The Merchant loads the vehicle. As a Merchant, you’ll see all orders appear in the Udelv Merchant app (available for iPhone and Android). Tap to open a compartment, load an order, and move on to the next one. Client order matching is automated on the back end and loading takes a few seconds per order. 2. Customers receive a precise ETA, track the vehicle, and get notified when it arrives. 3. The Customer retrieves their order. Customers can use the Udelv app (available for iPhone and Android) or respond to the text notifications to open their compartment.
What if the recipient is not home?
Udelv offers users a paradigm shift in the way deliveries are completed: instead of a large delivery window, customers will be able to name a precise delivery time and location. If the customer misses the delivery, Udelv’s back-end system will check availabilities in real-time and reschedule the delivery for another time of the user’s choosing.
GETTING STARTED
How are you different from the competition?
Udelv is the world’s first public road autonomous delivery vehicle built for last and middle mile deliveries. We’re focused on higher volume, higher speed and longer ranges than sidewalk bots, and more local deliveries than large autonomous trucking companies. Udelv is a genuine local delivery solution. As the world leader in autonomous deliveries and the first to work in multiple industries, we’re improving the service daily by completing real deliveries for our Merchants and Customers.
How do I ask more questions or launch a pilot?
Just email sales@udelv.com and tell us about your business. We’ll have a call to learn about your delivery needs and figure out the best way to launch your first autonomous delivery vehicle!
RESERVATION
When can I begin to pilot the Transporter?
Limited pilot production quantities will be available in Q4, 2022 with pilot deliveries set to begin early Q1, 2023.
What is included in the Total Fleet Solution?
Udelv’s total fleet solution uniquely combines our innovative smart cargo container, the uPod, level 4 autonomous functionality from Mobileye, tele-operations known as the Transporter Command Center, fleet management software, and a mobile experience that facilities the loading of goods and retrieving of products in a contactless and secure manner. Our solution is designed to deliver exponential value to delivery providers, fleet management companies, retailers, wholesalers, brands, and corporations.
What makes the uPod so unique?
The uPod is our patented smart cargo container. Its motorized doors move both horizontally and vertically, revealing up to 80 separate compartments to store and deliver goods. Any mobile device triggers the specific compartment to be loaded with cargo, and on the receiving end, a customer’s mobile device will reveal the exact compartment to retrieve their delivery. The uPod’s compartments can be dynamic adjusted and meant to fit nearly all package sizes.
How do I load the vehicle with cargo?
Using udelv’s client mobile app, a warehouse person selects specific compartments to load cargo, then swipes the mobile app page to trigger the actual compartment to open, revealing the compartments chosen. Once the cargo is loaded onto the uPod, the warehouse person swipes again to close the compartment. It’s just that easy!
What vehicle options are there?
There are a total of four (4) vehicle options. The Transporter can be purchased with and without the uPod. And there are two battery sizes, a 100kW and a 160kW power pack.
What are the EV charging options?
The Transporter comes standard with both fast charging and Level 2 charging ports, CCS and J1772 connectors are built-in.
Is my reservation fee refundable?
Yes, your reservation fee is fully refundable.
How do I receive updates on the Transporter?
Please sign up to our monthly newsletter as we will provide the latest news and information about the Transporter and uPod. You can always contact sales@udelv.com for the latest product information.