Autonomous ID. Buzz Debuts Grocery Delivery for Rewe in Bochum

The German supermarket chain Rewe has launched a pilot project in Bochum, introducing autonomous vehicles to deliver groceries directly to customers' homes. This initiative marks the first time an autonomous delivery vehicle is being tested within the food retail sector in Germany, reflecting the growing integration of advanced technologies in last-mile logistics.

The pilot involves a specially modified Volkswagen ID. Buzz, an electric van that has been equipped with cutting-edge automation systems. The adaptation of the vehicle was carried out by Loxo, a Swiss startup specializing in autonomous vehicle technologies for urban logistics. Loxo has developed the Loxo Digital Driver (LDD) software platform, which enables vehicles to operate without direct human intervention in city environments.

During the six-month trial period, the autonomous ID. Buzz will be responsible for transporting grocery orders from Rewe stores to selected customers in the western part of Bochum. The aim of the project is to evaluate how highly automated vehicles can enhance existing delivery processes, improve efficiency, and offer new solutions to urban transportation challenges. The deployment will also provide insights into customer acceptance and the operational reliability of autonomous delivery systems within a real-world environment.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has been outfitted to operate at Level 4 automation according to internationally recognized standards for autonomous driving. This level of automation allows the vehicle to navigate and control itself without driver input for most conditions, though a human safety operator remains on board to intervene if necessary. This approach ensures high operational safety during the initial phase of the project, especially as the technology is being assessed under everyday delivery conditions.

The Loxo Digital Driver system manages route planning, traffic interaction, obstacle avoidance, and stop management, all in real time. The system's performance will be closely monitored throughout the trial, with the collected data informing potential future rollouts and improvements in both hardware and software.

The use of autonomous vehicles for delivery purposes is part of a broader trend in the logistics industry, aimed at reducing operational costs, addressing labor shortages, and minimizing the environmental impact of traditional delivery vehicles. The electric ID. Buzz, combined with autonomous driving technology, aligns with wider sustainability initiatives by reducing emissions and optimizing delivery routes.

Loxo previously conducted similar tests with semi-autonomous vehicles in Switzerland, gaining valuable operational experience. However, the Bochum project represents a significant step forward, as it involves full automation for grocery deliveries in a major urban area.

Autonomous delivery vehicles have already been deployed in some international markets, such as the United States, where companies including Waymo and Zoox operate self-driving taxis and delivery solutions. Unlike these systems, which can function without any human presence on board, the Rewe pilot maintains a safety operator as an extra precaution during its initial phase.

The integration of autonomous vehicles into daily logistics has the potential to transform how goods are transported within cities. Benefits may include faster deliveries, more flexible scheduling, and reduced congestion, especially if such systems can eventually operate without human intervention. The Bochum pilot will provide critical information on the technical, regulatory, and social aspects of deploying autonomous delivery vehicles in Germany.

If successful, the project could pave the way for broader adoption of autonomous transport solutions in retail and other sectors, contributing to more resilient and sustainable urban supply chains. The trial's results will help Rewe and its partners determine the viability of expanding autonomous deliveries to other locations and possibly enhancing the technology's capabilities for future applications.