California allows startup Nuro to test driverless delivery vehicles

California's Department of Motor Vehicles on Tuesday authorized autonomous technology startup Nuro to test two driverless delivery vehicles in nine cities, a decision that comes as coronavirus concerns lock down many in the state.

U.S. companies that deliver groceries, household goods and take out food are scrambling to find drivers as well as ways to deliver with zero or minimal contact amid the virus outbreak.

Nuro, the second firm after Alphabet Inc's Waymo to receive the state's permit, has been allowed to test its driverless, low-speed R2 vehicle, about half the width of a regular car. It has been testing autonomous vehicles on California's roads with safety drivers since 2017.