Self-driving truck startup Waabi has joined forces with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to collaboratively design and roll out autonomous trucks, marking a significant step toward a commercial rollout.
This collaboration also signifies Volvo’s second venture into co-developing autonomous freight solutions with a startup. In May 2024, Volvo partnered with Aurora Innovation to introduce the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck.
Although Waabi will utilize the same truck model, it will be outfitted with Waabi’s proprietary technology, encompassing a comprehensive sensory suite, computing resources, and Waabi Driver software.
Raquel Urtasun, the founder and CEO of Waabi, stated to TechCrunch, “We now possess all the necessary elements to scale our offering. Our next-generation AV 2.0 technology, coupled with a more cost-effective approach and expedited market entry, sets us apart.”
Waabi is set to initiate commercial pilot programs featuring the Volvo-manufactured trucks in Texas within the coming months, with a driverless demonstration expected on public roads by the end of 2025.
According to Urtasun, a fully driverless commercial rollout will commence shortly thereafter, facilitating direct operations between customer depots right from the start, as opposed to utilizing terminals.
Having previously held the position of chief scientist at Uber ATG before establishing Waabi in 2021, Urtasun asserts that she has developed AI models capable of reasoning akin to human logic, thereby expediting commercial rollouts and enhancing system efficiency. She posits that a superior AI model will necessitate significantly less data and computational power to interpret and respond to its environment.
Waabi has effectively employed its simulation technology not only to test and refine its self-driving capabilities but also to assist in designing trucks for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) integration. In 2022, the startup showcased its first specifically designed truck, which features integrated sensors, computing systems, and software straight from the assembly line.
In comparison, competitor Kodiak Robotics has built a self-driving system that encompasses a full redundant hardware and software framework but is not exclusive to a single manufacturer. Urtasun emphasizes her preference for embedding the Waabi Driver within autonomous trucks at the factory level, ensuring a seamless integration into the OEM assembly process.
Urtasun is convinced that this is the premier strategy for creating a safe and dependable product.
Waabi’s collaboration with Volvo enhances the automaker’s strategic investment in the startup made two years prior through its venture arm, Volvo Group Venture Capital. Volvo subsequently participated in Waabi’s $200 million Series B funding round.
Volvo is set to manufacture trucks for Waabi at its facility in Virginia that is ready for production. Urtasun mentioned that the initial batch will be produced in 2025, anticipating a timeline of around two to three years to achieve mass production.
During this period, Urtasun highlighted that capital efficiency will be “absolutely crucial” for success in this sector. She contends that Waabi’s “AI-first approach” enables the startup to significantly minimize its capital requirements for achieving a driverless launch, constituting “only a small fraction of what is standard in the industry today.”
As of now, Waabi has raised a total of $282 million, according to PitchBook data, and Urtasun expresses confidence that the startup is well-positioned to initiate driverless operations on public roads and beyond. In contrast, leading competitors Aurora and Kodiak have secured $3.46 billion and $243 million, respectively.
Aurora aims to commence its driverless commercial trucking venture by April, while Kodiak recently delivered its first autonomous trucks to a commercial partner for off-road uses.
“2025 is the pivotal year for trucking; it’s a crucial point for success or failure,” Urtasun remarked. “I anticipate potential consolidation within the industry.”
The landscape is becoming noticeably sparse as companies like Embark and TuSimple have ceased operations, while Waymo has paused its autonomous trucking ambitions.
When asked about the possibility of Waabi considering a merger or acquisition, Urtasun firmly stated, “Absolutely not. Trucking is merely the beginning. Our plans extend far beyond trucking — we’re exploring robotaxis and warehouse robotics. I have extensive aspirations for the company, and we intend to remain fully independent.”
Compiled by Techarena.au.
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