Wal-Mart Testing Self Driving Cars with Ford

Unexpected thing.  With a delivery angle too.. 

Walmart to Test Self-Driving Cars with Ford, Argo AI

CNBC, Michael Wayland, September 15, 2021

Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is extending its self-driving vehicle program to include Ford Motor and Ford/Volkswagen-backed autonomous car startup Argo AI, in order to trial autonomous deliveries in Miami, the District of Columbia, and Austin, TX. Customers can place order groceries and other items online for door-to-door autonomous delivery under the program. Walmart's Tom Ward said, "This collaboration will further our mission to get products to the homes of our customers with unparalleled speed and ease, and in turn, will continue to pave the way for autonomous delivery." An Argo AI spokesperson said the partners initially will deploy a small fleet of autonomous delivery vehicles in each of the three trial cities, which will expand over time. Argo AI's Bryan Salesky said the deployments will demonstrate "the potential for autonomous vehicle delivery services at scale."

Argo LiDAR has 400 Meter Range

How much does it add to effectiveness in context? 

 Argo AI says its latest LiDAR sensor has a 400-meter range

The tech could bolster Ford and Volkswagen's self-driving ambitions. In Engadget, Kris Holt @krisholt, May 4th, 2021

Argo AI has made some waves in the autonomous vehicle space over the last few years, with investors Volkswagen and Ford working on cars that use its self-driving tech. The company suggests it's taken a significant step towards bringing autonomous vehicles to roads. Argo created a LiDAR sensor that's said to have a range of 400 meters, which it believes it the longest range of any current LiDAR sensor.   .. "

Ford Invests in AI Startup

Have always been impressed by Ford's analytical work.  In ComputerWeekly:

Motorcar maker Ford’s software development team will work alongside Argo AI on robotic vehicle technology

Ford has invested $1bn with Argo AI, a robotics startup founded by former Google and Uber experts, in a bid to develop a virtual driver system.

Argo AI will join forces with Ford’s autonomous vehicle software development effort to strengthen the commercialisation of self-driving vehicles.  ... "