Valeo Whets Appetite for Robo Deliveries

Valeo is demonstrating the potential for future autonomous food delivery services with its eDeliver4U concept vehicle.

But it doesn’t require a host of unproven next-generation technologies. The vehicle, which can carry 17 meals per trip, features several currently available systems and shows how they can be integrated into something new.

Production Ready

Valeo eDeliver4U concept. (Image: Valeo)

The eDeliver4U is powered by Valeo’s 48-volt technology. This includes an electric motor, inverter, DC/DC converter, speed reducer and battery.

The French supplier claims to be the global leader in such systems—mainly for mild-hybrid applications—with a 40% market share. This includes a joint venture with Siemens.

Valeo also provides the concept vehicle’s sensor array, which is comprised of:

• 5 cameras
• 4 radars
• 4 lidars
• 12 ultrasonic devices

All of these are in production. In fact, Valeo boasts that its Scala laser scanner, which debuted two years ago in the Audi A8, is the only automotive lidar in a series production model. The company announced new orders last summer.

Software, control algorithms and artificial intelligence also comes from Valeo. As does the eDeliver4U’s electric power steering and braking systems.

Delivering the Goods

The eDeliver4U has a driving range of about 60 miles and a top speed of 7 mph. Valeo envisions it being used for last-mile deliveries in crowded cities, in particular those that have enacted zero emission zones (such as London).

The supplier developed the concept with China’s Meituan-Dianping, which operates the largest food delivery service in the world (400 million users in some 2,800 cities). Meituan-Dianping contributed its e-commerce service platform that allows users to order and pay for a delivery—and access the delivery locker—via a smartphone app.

Vive la Tech

With annual OEM sales of about $20 billion (making it the 10th largest global supplier), Valeo is into a lot of things. Many are related to advanced technology, such as those showcased in the eDeliver4U.

Valeo expects such systems to help its sales grow at annual rate of 3% through at least 2022. To this end, the company says it is developing 12 “future mobility” technology platforms.

The company notes that the concept’s electrification and autonomous vehicle systems can be easily scaled for other applications, including passenger cars and shuttles. Valeo also has developed a pair of factory droids, which are programed to follow humans around and help them perform logistical and delivery tasks.