The electric revolution is in full swing and has opened the doors to an autonomous, self-driving future. Today's modern cars are capable of Level 2 autonomy using an array of ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) driving aids like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, to name a few. However, legacy automakers like Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Ford, and BMW are forging Tesla's path in perfecting Level 3 autonomous driving. Self-driving cars are just a stone's throw away from production reality, but there's a new breed of electric vehicles making waves for their innovative applications of self-driving technology. We're talking about a silent (literally) revolution led by driverless delivery vehicles.

Nuro already has a third driverless delivery vehicle on the way, and this model is focused as much on protecting others as it is hauling goods. The newly introduced version, simply called Nuro, includes a host of 360-degree sensors including cameras, LiDAR, radar and thermals, but also includes a giant external airbag to protect pedestrians. We still wouldn't risk stepping in front of this machine (you'll still hit the ground, after all), but this should reduce the chances of a serious injury. The new vehicle also carries twice the cargo, and offers both temperature-controlled compartments and modular inserts to help shuttle a wider variety of goods. Nuro didn't say when this latest self-driving vehicle would be ready, but the North American branch of China's BYD will help produce units at a Nuro factory due to go online later in 2022.