Kodiak Robotics keeps pace with key competitor, unveils enhanced self-driving system at CES

LAS VEGAS — Kodiak Robotics detailed technology enhancements intended to prepare its autonomous trucks for widespread deployment when it showcased a sixth-generation system at CES 2024 on Tuesday morning.

Improvements add redundancy across safety-critical functions, including braking, steering and computing systems, the company said. They're the latest steps in a yearslong march toward ensuring the trucks are safe when they encounter the unexpected on the road.

"This truck fundamentally demonstrates that we've done the work necessary to safely handle driverless operations," said Kodiak CEO Don Burnette.

Kodiak's update comes days after Aurora Innovation Inc., one of its prime competitors in long-haul autonomous trucking technology, made similar disclosures about its redundant systems and fallback plans. Along with industrialization partner Continental, Aurora said it completed the architecture, specs and requirements for its self-driving system's hardware.

Aurora plans to launch driverless commercial service by the end of the year on a route between on Interstate 45 between Dallas and Houston. Its manufacturing plans mark a prelude toward deployment at scale in 2027.

Kodiak sketches the same blueprint. The Mountain View, Calif., company intends to commence driverless commercial service by the end of the year on the same route.

With the launch of its sixth-generation system, Kodiak said its driverless design is feature complete across its hardware and software. But there's more work to be done. Kodiak said it will integrate a domain control system-on-chip from Ambarella this year that will allow for ongoing improvement of the truck's sensor and machine-learning capabilities.

Beyond interstates, Kodiak is working to deploy its self-driving system in defense applications. The company counts the U.S. Department of Defense as a key partner. Last month, Kodiak delivered an autonomous Ford F-150 pickup capable of operating in off-road conditions.