REWE, a leading German grocery retailer, has launched customer deliveries using a highly automated (Level 4) autonomous vehicle in Bochum. The six-month pilot project uses a self-driving VW ID. Buzz van with a safety operator to test the technology's operational benefits and potential for urban logistics.
Autonomous Vehicle Tests Grocery Delivery in Germany
In a pioneering pilot project, REWE, one of Germany's leading grocery retailers, has launched the first customer deliveries using a highly automated (Level 4) autonomous vehicle in daily operations. The self-driving van, a specially equipped VW ID. Buzz, is now delivering orders for the REWE delivery service in Bochum, accompanied only by a safety operator.
A Six-Month Real-World Test
The six-month test phase aims to explore how an autonomous delivery service can be deployed with maximum capacity and which technical and economic key performance indicators (KPIs) can realistically be achieved. The goal is to understand the autonomy level possible in real traffic and evaluate the technology's operational benefits.
“This pilot allows us to test how highly automated vehicles can meaningfully support our delivery processes,” says Kai-Uwe Reimers, Head of Research & Innovation at REWE digital. “We want to identify, develop and quickly adapt new technological possibilities.”
Integrated Into REWE's Existing Delivery System
The autonomous ID. Buzz is fully embedded in the REWE delivery infrastructure. Routes are planned manually via REWE's e-commerce systems, and from the customer perspective nothing changes: orders are placed as usual, and a safety driver completes the handover at the door. This marks the first time a Level-4 vehicle is operating in real grocery delivery in Germany.
LOXO Provides Software and Vehicle Operations
LOXO, a Swiss technology company, provides the software and manages vehicle operations for the pilot project. The LOXO Digital Driver software combines advanced AI and sensors to enable fully automated driving on public streets. Although Level 4 allows operation without a human onboard, a safety operator remains in the cockpit during the pilot.
“Together with REWE, we are pushing the boundaries of innovation and shaping safer, more sustainable mobility,” says LOXO CEO Amin Amini.
Advancing Urban Autonomous Logistics
The collaboration between REWE and LOXO is seen as a major step toward autonomous urban delivery. Bochum's urban layout and proximity between REWE's fulfillment center and nearby residential areas provide ideal testing conditions.
“Bochum is transforming into a laboratory for future mobility,” says Dr. Thomas Wollinger of Bochum Economic Development.
About the Companies
REWE is one of Germany's leading grocery retailers, with €31.6 billion in revenue (2024), more than 170,000 employees, and around 3,800 stores. REWE belongs to the cooperative REWE Group, which operates in 21 European countries.
LOXO, founded in 2021 in Bern, is a deeptech startup specializing in autonomous logistics solutions. With its Digital Driver platform, LOXO has already deployed Level-4 autonomous vehicles without safety drivers on public roads in Switzerland and continues to scale operations across Europe.