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H-E-B launching self-driving van service for Olmos Park deliveries

The Texas chain will use one autonomous van with driverless technology, delivering near its Olmos Park H-E-B.

SAN ANTONIO — In the age of technology, H-E-B will launch a pilot program that delivers items from a vehicle that drives itself.

The Texas chain will use one autonomous van with driverless technology, delivering near its Olmos Park H-E-B. 

“Our success starts with our people, who provide exceptional hospitality and drive us to open more engaging stores that offer a world-class shopping experience,” said Craig Boyan, H-E-B President. 

The vehicle is made by Udelv, a California-based company that creates autonomous delivery vehicles.

Because the program is new, the company will have a driver behind the wheel during the first phase of the launch.

If the initiative expands, the next phase will begin, allowing the vehicles to become fully driverless.

“At H-E-B, we continue to evaluate and utilize innovative technologies in all parts of our business,” said Paul Tepfenhart, Senior Vice President of Omnichannel and Emerging Technologies at Central Market and H-E-B. 

H-E-B is no stranger to digital technology considering its Curbside, Home-Delivery and Go service which allows people to pay using their phones.

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San Antonio District 1 council member Roberto Treviño provided the following statement:

“I applaud H-E-B for implementing a forward-thinking delivery service that will better serve customers, especially those who are mobility-impaired, while streamlining operations and reducing costs. Self-driving vehicles will be at the forefront of transportation in the foreseeable future, so it is exciting that District 1 residents will be among the first in Texas to test out this new service. 

The Center City is the intersection where innovation meets the needs of a diverse community, which is why I requested District 1 be included in the Innovation Zones program last June.  I look forward to the program and for other services inspired by this technology.”

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