Key facts
- Aurora Innovation received a permit to test self-driving trucks in California.
- Kodiak AI received a permit to test self-driving trucks in California.
- The California DMV issued the permits for autonomous truck testing.
- Kodiak AI has begun testing its autonomous trucks.
- Kodiak AI's testing is subject to restrictions.
- A human safety operator must be present during Kodiak AI's testing.
Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI have both secured permits from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to conduct testing of their autonomous trucks on public roads within the state. Kodiak AI has already initiated testing of its self-driving trucks. These operations are subject to certain restrictions, notably the requirement for a human safety operator to be present in the vehicle during testing. The approval from the California DMV marks a significant step for both companies as they continue to develop and validate their autonomous driving systems in a real-world environment. California is a key market for freight transportation, making its regulatory landscape crucial for the advancement of autonomous trucking technology.