Google might be developing its own self-driving delivery trucks

It looks like Amazon isn’t the only technology company looking to step up its logistics game. Google was awarded a new patent on Tuesday that suggests the company is interested in developing its own autonomous delivery trucks. We already knew that Google is interested in creating a self-flying delivery drone system, but creating a fleet of self-driving delivery trucks is something much more ambitious, not to mention difficult. However, whereas Amazon has an obvious reason for wanting to step up its logistics game, none of Google’s services directly benefit autonomous delivery drones and trucks, so it’s not clear why the company is so interested in the technology, unless it just wants to diversify.

Look out, Amazon. A new patent awarded to Google today suggests that the search giant is looking into developing self-driving delivery trucks, just as Amazon readies its autonomous delivery drone fleet. Google’s patent outlines what it calls an “autonomous delivery platform” for delivery trucks. The trucks would be fitted with a series of lockers that could potentially be unlocked with a PIN code sent to the person waiting for the delivery before the truck arrives at their location. The patent also suggests the locker could be unlocked by a customer’s credit card, or an NFC reader. After the package is dropped off, the truck will continue on to its next delivery point, or return to the depot to pick up more packages. While the patent doesn’t go into too much detail about the most difficult aspect of the idea—how the truck will drive itself—it does mention technologies that are reminiscent of what Google is currently using in its self-driving car tests: “Automated road vehicles can use various sensors, for example, video cameras, radar sensors and laser range finders, to “see” other traffic, as well as detailed maps to navigate a road, and a communication subsystem, such as a wireless communication subsystem, to communicate with a controller and other entities.”