Autonomous Trucks Test 300 Mile Deliveries

A pilot program in Texas tests the capability of self-driving trucks from Kodiak Robotics to transport IKEA products from its distribution center in Baytown to its store in Frisco, a journey of approximately 300 miles. The pilot will operate seven days a week.

The self-driving truck has a professional safety truck driver behind the wheel who picks up a loaded trailer at the distribution center each morning and oversees the autonomous delivery to the store by late afternoon.

The main purpose of the test, according to Kodiak is to better understand of how its autonomous driving technology contributes to increased road safety and better working conditions for truck drivers on the longer distances.

“IKEA and Kodiak share a commitment to putting safety first,” said Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak, in a prepared statement. “Together we can enhance safety, improve working conditions for drivers, and create a more sustainable freight transportation system.”

Said Dariusz Mroczek, category area transport manager for IKEA Supply Chain Operations, in a statement:

“Kodiak's technology will contribute towards our objective to put the driver in focus in the transition towards automated transportation and towards our road safety agenda.”

Source: Kodiak