California has opened its public highways to self-driving trucks, with two technology firms securing permits and one already running test vehicles.
California has officially begun hosting self-driving truck operations on its public roads. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles has granted permits to Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI, allowing both companies to test their autonomous vehicle technology on real highway conditions.
Kodiak has already moved quickly, launching tests with a small number of trucks concentrated around its Mountain View office. The company said it is starting with a modest fleet for the initial phase of on-road development.
The new permits give both companies the opportunity to gather valuable data from public highway testing, a significant milestone for autonomous freight technology in California.
