Kodiak Robotics Partners with Bridgestone for Smarter Self-Driving Trucks

Self-Driving Trucks Startup Kodiak Robotics Snags Investment, Partnership from Bridgestone

Kodiak Robotics, a startup focused on developing autonomous trucks, has secured a minority investment and formed a strategic partnership with tire giant Bridgestone. This collaboration aims to advance Bridgestone's smart tire technology and fleet management systems, integrating them with Kodiak's self-driving trucks.

Key Partnership Details:

• Investment and Board Seat: Bridgestone has taken a minority stake in Kodiak Robotics. Bridgestone CTO Nizar Trigui will join the Kodiak board as an observer, signifying a deep commitment to the partnership.
• Smart Tire Integration: Kodiak will deploy Bridgestone's sensor-laden tires on its autonomous trucks. These tires will monitor crucial data points such as pressure, temperature, and load on the wheels, which directly impact vehicle dynamics and maneuverability.
• Data Sharing and Improvement: Kodiak will share the collected tire data with Bridgestone. This data will be instrumental in improving Bridgestone's tire chemistry and developing more accurate predictive models for tire performance and longevity.
• Enhanced Safety and Efficiency: The integration of smart tire technology is expected to bolster the safety and efficiency of autonomous trucking. Tire integrity is paramount for the safe operation of any vehicle, especially autonomous ones that rely heavily on precise control inputs.
• Operational Testing: Kodiak's self-driving trucks are currently used for freight transport between Dallas and Houston as part of its testing program. The company is expanding these pilots to San Antonio and continues testing in Mountain View, California, always with a safety operator present.

Strategic Importance of Tire Data for Autonomous Vehicles:

Don Burnette, co-founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics, highlighted the critical role of tires in autonomous systems. He stated that the ability to manipulate tires during acceleration, braking, and steering is fundamental to the safety of an autonomous system. Relying on tires to perform as expected is essential for guaranteeing the safety envelope.

Autonomous vehicle companies like Kodiak possess extensive real-time driving data, including forces, steering commands, and braking pressures. This granular data, previously unavailable to tire manufacturers, provides Bridgestone with invaluable insights into how its tires are used in real-world conditions. This allows for the creation of more accurate predictive models that can forecast tire lifespan and potential failure points.

Broader Context and Expansion:

This partnership follows Kodiak's recent announcement of a collaboration with South Korean conglomerate SK Group to explore deploying its autonomous vehicle technology in Asia. The SK partnership aims to sell and distribute Kodiak's technology in the region, leveraging SK's products, components, and expertise, including AI microprocessors and advanced emergency braking systems.

Related Content:

• Kodiak Partnering with SK Group: The article references a previous partnership with SK Group for expansion into Asia, focusing on AI microprocessors and fleet management services.
• Autonomous Delivery Startups: A linked article discusses how autonomous delivery startups are navigating policy, partnerships, and post-pandemic operations.

Event Promotion:

The content also includes promotional material for TechCrunch All Stage, a conference in Boston on July 15th, focusing on founders and VCs, offering strategies, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Topics Covered:

The article touches upon autonomous vehicles, AI in transportation, smart tires, data analytics in the automotive sector, and strategic business partnerships within the tech industry.

Image:

The main image features a Kodiak Robotics truck.

Social Sharing:

Links are provided for sharing the article on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Reddit, and via email.