Kodiak Robotics, a startup specializing in self-driving technology for long-haul trucking, announced this week that it has officially hit the road, making its first commercial deliveries with a safety driver behind the wheel. Kodiak will also be opening a new testing and freight operations facility in North Texas.
"Making such rapid progress wouldn't be possible without our strong, experienced team, who've been working with autonomous vehicles since the early days of the industry. As industry veterans, we've seen where self-driving technology has fallen short, and have a clear vision for how to make it work and work safely."
"We could not be more excited to announce our expansion into Texas, with an office in the DFW area," said Don Burnette, CEO and Co-Founder of Kodiak Robotics. "In just over a year, we've gone from founding Kodiak to putting our trucks on the road and hauling freight for customers. Making such rapid progress wouldn't be possible without our strong, experienced team, who've been working with autonomous vehicles since the early days of the industry. As industry veterans, we've seen where self-driving technology has fallen short, and have a clear vision for how to make it work and work safely."
Since its founding in April 2018, Kodiak Robotics is wasting no time in its ambitions as a freight carrier, growing its fleet of trucks and launching freight operations for Texas customers. The company touts its offering as the future of freight technology, creating safer roads while driving savings in both freight costs and shipping time.
"We are thrilled by the reception we've received from all Texans," added Paz Eshel, COO and Co-Founder of Mountain View-based Kodiak Robotics. "From Governor Abbott to the Department of Public Safety to the Texas Department of Transportation and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI), we've received nothing but support. We look forward to continuing to build meaningful community partnerships in Texas, and helping to make sure that Texas is the home of autonomous trucking."
Kodiak Robotics is backed by investors such as Battery Ventures, CRV, Lightspeed Ventures and Tusk Ventures.