Micromobility firm Also, which emerged from Rivian, announced a partnership with DoorDash to create autonomous delivery vehicles. As part of the agreement, DoorDash participated in Also’s $200 million Series C funding round, led by Greenoaks Capital, securing a position on the startup’s board.
With this new round of funding, Also’s total capital raised reaches $505 million, elevating its valuation beyond $1 billion. The company initially launched with a significant investment from Eclipse, which has also supported Mind Robotics, an AI venture associated with Rivian.
Originally conceived as a project within Rivian in 2022, Also initially aimed to develop an electric bicycle, collaborating with renowned designer Jony Ive’s firm, LoveFrom. Its debut product is a unique e-bike, but the company has also revealed designs for compact delivery vehicles that can accommodate over 400 pounds of packages while remaining bike lane-friendly. Amazon has placed substantial orders for these vehicles, indicating strong interest in their delivery capabilities.
The collaboration with DoorDash marks the first step towards developing autonomous versions of Also’s electric vehicles. Discussions between Rivian and Also suggest a wide range of potential vehicle designs, limited by practicality.
Both Rivian and Also plan to utilise existing automotive technologies and retail networks to enhance product scalability. However, details regarding the adoption of Rivian’s autonomy tech remain unclear. Currently, Rivian intends to employ a combination of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, radar, and lidar for vehicle automation, alongside custom-built silicon for enhanced self-driving capabilities. There is speculation that the technology developed for Mind Robotics might also be accessible for Also’s use.
Alternatively, DoorDash may independently manage the autonomous technology for the delivery vehicles. The company has devoted significant resources to creating its autonomous vehicle, known as Dot, which utilises lidar, radar, and cameras to navigate urban environments efficiently. Operating in the Metro Phoenix area, this eye-catching vehicle can travel up to 32 km/h and has been successfully making deliveries.
In summary, the partnership between Also and DoorDash heralds an innovative direction in autonomous delivery, leveraging cutting-edge technology to address evolving logistical challenges.
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