Autonomous truck company Gatik has signed a multiyear deal with grocery giant Kroger.
Kroger will use Gatik's autonomous box trucks to transfer groceries between a distribution center in Dallas to multiple stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth market starting in the second quarter.
Gatik's trucks will operate in a continuous service loop between the distribution center and local Kroger stores, with a minimum of four deliveries seven days a week. Each round trip will average 60 miles. The route is semi-urban and includes highway driving. Gatik's trucks will drive at speeds up to 70 mph. Although the trucks will be operating autonomously, a safety driver will be in the cab, ready to take over if needed.
Gatik did not reveal the financial terms of the company's agreement with Kroger.