Aurora Innovation CEO on Self-Driving Trucks, Working With Nvidia

Autonomous Trucking Technology & Development - Aurora's autonomous trucking technology has reached a point where rapid launch and iteration are possible, demonstrating significant progress in the field [7] - Aurora is one of the lead customers for Nvidia's next-generation automotive computer system on a chip, viewing them as a strategic partner for computational power [11][12] - Aurora believes it currently has the best autonomous trucking technology globally, capable of doing things that others cannot safely achieve on the road [16] - Aurora plans to expand its autonomous trucking operations to include nighttime and rainy conditions, and to operate routes from Fort Worth to El Paso, El Paso to Phoenix, and Fort Worth to Phoenix by the end of the year [6][7] Regulatory & Governmental Support - The US government, including the Secretary of Transportation and the Vice President, is showing support for automation in trucking, which is considered vitally important for the industry's transformation [13][14] - Most states are supportive of autonomous trucking, with Aurora confident in its safety and ability to operate in 44 states [20][21] - California's Department of Motor Vehicles is putting in place regulations for heavy-duty trucks, indicating a positive regulatory environment [22] Business Model & Partnerships - Aurora's long-term business model involves providing "drivers" (autonomous driving systems) to customers who purchase trucks from manufacturers like PACCAR and Volvo [8][9] - Trucking companies like FedEx, Werner, Herschbach and Schneider will buy trucks with Aurora's "driver" installed and pay Aurora to operate the trucks [9] - PACCAR requested a human be present in the truck for supervisory purposes, which Aurora agreed to in the spirit of partnership, without impacting their technology roadmap [4][5]