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Waabi unveils autonomous truck made in partnership with Volvo
TechCrunchยท 2025-10-28 22:17
Core Insights - Waabi has launched a new autonomous truck, the Volvo VNL Autonomous truck, in partnership with Volvo, marking a significant step in the commercialization of self-driving technology [1][4] - The company aims to be the first to commercialize self-driving trucks without a human safety driver, positioning itself against competitors like Aurora [2] - Waabi's self-driving system, the Waabi Driver, is designed to operate across various geographies, enhancing scalability and integration within existing logistics operations [5] Company Developments - Waabi's CEO, Raquel Urtasun, highlighted the company's capability to operate in generalized surface streets in Texas, with plans for nationwide expansion in the coming years [3] - The Volvo VNL truck has been engineered for safety and redundancy, allowing for the removal of a human driver [6] - Waabi's partnership with Volvo includes Volvo's investment in the startup, participating in Waabi's $200 million Series B funding round in 2024 [9] Competitive Landscape - Waabi's competitor, Aurora, has a similar partnership with Volvo and has already launched a commercial service with a human observer on board [4] - Aurora's service operates on a route between Dallas and Houston and is expanding to El Paso, showcasing the competitive dynamics in the autonomous trucking sector [4]