Startup Waabi, which specializes in autonomous trucks, has announced a partnership with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to jointly develop and deploy unmanned trucks. The move is a major milestone on the road to commercial launch.
Partnership details
Waabi will use the same trucks as Volvo’s VNL Autonomous, introduced with Aurora Innovation in May 2024, but with its own technology stack including a suite of sensors, computing modules and Waabi Driver software.
Waabi will use the same trucks as Volvo’s VNL Autonomous, introduced with Aurora Innovation in May 2024, but with its own technology stack including a suite of sensors, computing modules and Waabi Driver software.
According to Rakiel Urtasun, Waabi’s founder and CEO, the company is ready to scale:
“We have everything we need to bring the product to market: next-generation AV 2.0 technology and a capital-efficient approach.”
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Plans and launch dates
Commercial pilots will launch in Texas in the coming months
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Demonstrations of fully autonomous driving on public roads are planned by the end of 2025.
Full commercial launch without intermediate terminals is expected shortly thereafter.
Waabi’s competitive advantages
Integration of drone technology at the OEM manufacturing level, which reduces costs and speeds development.
Use of simulation technology for truck testing and design.
AI models that mimic human thinking, reducing the need for large amounts of data to train systems.
Market Competition
Waabi has already raised $282 million and plans to remain an independent company. Its main competitors include Aurora and Kodiak Robotics, which have raised $3.46 billion and $243 million, respectively. Aurora is preparing to launch commercial operations in April, while Kodiak recently delivered its first autonomous trucks for off-road operations.
Aurora is also preparing to launch commercial operations in April, while Kodiak recently delivered its first autonomous trucks for off-road operations.
Urtasun is optimistic:
“2025 is the year of trucking. It’s either a success or a failure.”
Waabi’s future prospects
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Despite the shrinking number of players in the market, Waabi has no plans for mergers or acquisitions.
“We’re going to be doing a lot more than just trucking – robotaxis, warehouse robotics. We have grand plans and we will remain a completely independent company,” Urtasun noted.
By ForGeeks 
