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Kodiak Robotics Inc. has announced a collaboration with Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. to equip new high-capacity trucks with advanced autonomous technology. This partnership will see Kodiak implementing its driver-as-a-service model, licensing its innovative technology to Atlas.
Recently, the duo achieved a milestone by completing their inaugural driverless delivery in the Permian Basin of West Texas. The event marked a significant leap as a Kodiak-equipped truck transported frac sand over a distance of 21 miles without any human operator in the cab.
In alignment with their agreement, Atlas has also placed an order for additional Kodiak-equipped trucks, which will be utilized for frac sand deliveries across the extensive network of private lease roads in the Permian Basin. The operational rollout is expected to commence early next year, with Atlas set to begin commercial activities using its first two automated trucks equipped with the Kodiak Driver.
Don Burnette, Kodiak’s founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing that they are paving the way for autonomous vehicles in commercial operations. Burnette noted that this collaboration positions Kodiak as the first company to deliver driverless semi-truck services, marking a transformative moment for autonomous trucking.
Established in 2018 by seasoned industry professionals, Kodiak focuses on creating systems for autonomous logistics. The company, headquartered in Mountain View, California, completed its initial commercial delivery in 2019 and has since made significant strides toward achieving fully autonomous deliveries.
Earlier this year, Kodiak unveiled its sixth-generation semi-truck, optimized for autonomous operation. This latest model is a product of extensive real-world testing, having successfully managed over 5,000 loads and accumulated more than 2.5 million miles of travel.
Understanding the Driver-as-a-Service Partnership
As part of the driver-as-a-service framework, Atlas will retain ownership of the trucks, while Kodiak will supply a comprehensive, hardware- and software-agnostic autonomy platform. This includes ongoing operational support, facilitated through Kodiak’s remote monitoring capabilities based in Lancaster, Texas.
Atlas CEO John Turner highlighted the partnership’s significance, describing it as a reflection of the innovative culture that drives their organization.
Kodiak’s technology boasts a suite of features designed for scalable autonomous deployment. The company claims that its systems offer 360-degree awareness, continuous self-checks, and protocols for unforeseen situations.
Key components of Kodiak’s framework include SensorPads, which accommodate the necessary sensors such as cameras, lidar, and radar, enabling the Kodiak Driver to maintain comprehensive environmental awareness. Additionally, the Guardian safety computer is engineered to interact reliably with redundant braking and steering systems, ensuring that the vehicle can always be safely halted in the event of a failure.
Moreover, the system leverages Kodiak Maps—digitally generated maps that can be produced in real-time or derived from satellite data—ensuring safe navigation across various driving environments with regular updates for accuracy.
The Permian Basin: A Testing Ground for Innovation
The challenging climate of the Permian Basin, known for its harsh heat and dust storms, presents unique obstacles for traditional truck drivers. However, Kodiak’s technology is tailored to handle these extreme conditions effectively.
Chris Scholla, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Atlas, noted that the expansive private lease road network in the Permian Basin, which spans the Delaware and Midland Basins, creates an optimal setting for introducing autonomous trucking solutions in North America. With traffic speeds typically under 20 mph on these roads, the environment is notably conducive to safer and more reliable last-mile logistics.
Kodiak emphasizes the importance of navigating unpaved roads in its technology suite, leveraging extensive experience from its collaborations, including projects with the U.S. Department of Defense. Additionally, Kodiak is working with Ryder to establish a truckport facility in Houston to further expand its logistical capabilities.
Source
www.therobotreport.com