Volvo pulls up alongside AI firm to advance self-driving trucks

Swedish carmaker Volvo and AI startup Waabi have announced a strategic partnership to develop and deploy autonomous trucks across the United States, with plans to integrate Waabi’s AI-driven autonomous system into Volvo’s VNL Autonomous truck.

Partnership details: The collaboration will combine Volvo’s autonomous truck platform with Waabi’s AI-powered driver solution to accelerate the deployment of self-driving trucks.

• Volvo Autonomous Solutions will integrate the Waabi Driver system into its VNL Autonomous truck, which will be produced at the New River Assembly plant in Virginia
• The VNL Autonomous truck features built-in redundancies for critical systems including steering, braking, power management, and energy storage
• Initial testing of the integrated system is scheduled to begin later in 2024

Technical capabilities: Waabi’s autonomous driving system utilizes advanced AI technology and neural simulation to deliver comprehensive autonomous functionality.

• The system employs what Waabi describes as an “end-to-end interpretable and verifiable AI model“
• A neural simulator, which Waabi claims is the industry’s most realistic, enables autonomous vehicles to adapt to various road scenarios
• The AI-driven approach reportedly reduces testing requirements and associated costs compared to traditional development methods

Market context: This partnership represents a significant shift in Volvo’s autonomous vehicle strategy and builds on existing collaboration between the companies.

• Prior to this partnership, Volvo had been working with Aurora Innovation for autonomous technology on DHL freight routes in Texas
• Volvo has demonstrated strong financial commitment to Waabi, providing initial capital in January 2023 and participating in a $200 million funding round in June 2023
• The production will take place at Volvo’s Virginia facility, indicating a commitment to domestic manufacturing

Strategic implications: The partnership signals a deepening relationship between traditional automotive manufacturing and AI-focused startups in the autonomous vehicle sector.

• Raquel Urtasun, Waabi’s founder and CEO, emphasizes the importance of integrating AI technology directly into OEM vehicle production
• Volvo Autonomous Solutions’ chief product officer highlights Waabi’s expertise in leveraging AI for self-driving technologies
• The collaboration aims to create a scalable autonomous transport solution that prioritizes safety and efficiency

Future outlook: While autonomous trucking technology shows promise, several key challenges remain before widespread adoption becomes reality, including regulatory approval, real-world performance validation, and integration with existing logistics networks. The success of this partnership could serve as a blueprint for future collaborations between traditional automotive manufacturers and AI technology providers.