Founded in 2018, Kodiak AI is a front runner in the self driving space focusing on automating the most demanding transportation tasks to help stabilize shaky global supply chains. Their goal is to make self driving hauling as feasible and safe as possible. They’ve achieved this through the “Kodiak Driver,” a flexible system that pairs sophisticated AI software with hardware that can be installed on almost any vehicle. The technology is already in use at the operational level in both the shipping and industrial sectors.
Verizon business is a global telecommunications giant based in New York City that provides essential mobile, internet, and security services to the industry. The company focuses on constant innovation to ensure its network stays ahead of future demands, serving both individual consumers and large-scale international businesses.
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The partnership will combine Verizon’s connectivity and IoT data capabilities with Kodiak’s autonomous driving system. The goal is to transition from the testing phase to 24/7 commercial freight operations.
Technological Framework: Assisted autonomy
Though the trucks are autonomous, they are not without human assistance. In dire situations a remote vehicle operator can take control of the truck, enhancing the safety features of Kodiak’s autonomous fleet.
Kodiak’s autonomous fleet require low-latency and Verizon’s network allows remote drivers to see camera feeds and sensor data in near real-time to guide the truck safely.
Kodiak uses its “Kodiak Driver” (a vehicle-agnostic AI system) paired with Vay Technology for the remote-driving interface.
Fleet Management & Logistics
The partnership will also handle the backend of Kodiak’s autonomous fleet. There will be centralized control, using the ThingSpace platform Kodiak can monitor the connectivity and data health of its entire fleet from a single dashboard.
Remote software updates allows each vehicle to be updated with the latest safety protocol, without having to visit a shop.
Verizon’s technology scales with the massive amount of information that autonomous sensors generate.
Strategic Impact
The partnership will allow Kodiak to offer “Driver-as-a-service”, allowing them to provide 24/7 fleet operations. By harnessing the power of AI with human oversight, they aim to solve supply chain gaps, road safety and driver shortages. This is a promising technology that can make our roads safer and provide new value added job opportunities for the economy.