Ford in the USA is working with delivery service Postmates on a research programme to work out how to best operate a self-driving delivery service. Using Transit Connect Vans, currently with drivers, they are debugging the operating system with a view to having fleets of autonomous delivery vehicles on the road in four years time.

The project, taking place in Miami, aims to have an on-demand delivery platform that will deliver food and other goods without the need for a driver. Food delivery especially is thought to be one business area targeted with the van design divided into several lockers, so it can serve multiple customers on one delivery route. When the van arrives at a customer residence or business a text notification is sent. The customer then accesses the locker using a special access code.

Outside of the takeaway food business the idea could have many other applications, perhaps meaning the days of the white van man in his transit are numbered.