For the first time, California has provided the go-ahead for a commercial driverless delivery operation.
Robotics Start-up Nuro plans to start its driverless distribution service as early as next year.
Previously, it tested its R2 vehicles in the state in April, but the license would allow it to charge people for its operation.
The company’s cars will be limited to 35mph (56km/h) and will be limited to “fair-weather” service.
California Department of Motor Vehicles director Steve Gordon said the problem of the first implementation permit is a major step in the history of autonomous vehicles in California.
He added that they will keep the welfare of the motoring public in mind as this technology progresses.
Nuro was developed by two former Google engineers and is sponsored by the Japanese company Softbank.
Its cars are designed to operate without a driver or a passenger.
The R2 uses radar, thermal imaging, and 360-degree cameras to monitor its motion. And there’s no steering wheel, pedals, or side-view mirrors.
The automobile has an egg-shaped chassis smaller than most vehicles in the US. It also has two temperature-controlled shipping compartments. Doors are opened to display objects after a code has been entered by the receiver.
During the previous trial in Houston, Texas, in February, R2 sold pizza to Domino’s Pizza, convenience stores from the Kroger chain of supermarkets, and Walmart products.
Even then, one travel specialist said that safety concerns will remain a concern.
Prof David Bailey from the University of Birmingham said that it will be very minimal, to begin with as the technology is being carefully assessed.
Driverless taxis started operating in Phoenix, Arizona, in October as part of Google’s Waymo operation.
A related service, backed by online tech and retail giant Alibaba, is currently under trial in China’s largest city, Shanghai.
They are only two of the many trials involving different autonomous vehicles around the world.
