Kevin Ross on LinkedIn: Why Anthony Levandowski returned to his off-road autonomous vehicle roots… (2024)

Why Anthony Levandowski returned to his off-road autonomous vehicle roots with AV startup ProntoFive years ago, as robotaxis and self-driving truck startups were still raking in millions in venture capital, Anthony Levandowski turned to off-road autonomy.Now, that decision — which brought the former Google engineer and serial entrepreneur back to the roots that helped launch his pioneering and controversial career — is starting to pay off. Pronto, the San Francisco-based startup Levandowski co-founded with Ognen Stojanovski, has developed a self-driving system designed for haulage trucks and other off-road vehicles that are used at construction and mining sites. About a dozen companies are now using its “autonomous haulage system” or AHS, according to Levandowski, who noted that not all of those deployments are driverless.A newly announced partnership illustrates Pronto’s traction in the niche market. Pronto exclusively shared with TechCrunch that it has extended a partnership with Heidelberg Materials North America, one of the largest build materials and cement producers in the world, following a pilot program last year at the company’s Bridgeport Quarry in Texas. Under the agreement, Pronto’s technology will be integrated into Komatsu haulage trucks, which will operate autonomously at the site. This time around, the trucks will also include Komatsu’s connected vehicle technology to improve data collection and analysis. The 30-person startup uses advanced sensors, cameras and artificial intelligence to operate haul trucks autonomously. Pronto also uses Pollen Mobile, a peer-to-peer open source mobile data network the startup launched in 2022 that allows it to exchange data anonymously and at high speeds without relying on legacy carriers. Pollen is used to support sites with little to no connectivity. Interest and investment in off-road autonomy has increased as startups and more established technology companies seek out the best and fastest path to commercialization. It’s what motivated Levandowski to change course in 2019.For Levandowski, off-road is the most compelling because it is used on private property. And while the complexities of the environment are more difficult from a driving perspective, the people working at the site can be properly trained to interact with autonomous vehicles. “I like off-road because that’s where you can build a product and you’re ready for today,” Levandowski said. “The market is obviously much, much smaller than on-road and typically, investors will want to chase a large TAM [total addressable market].” Pronto has raised an undisclosed amount from investors, Levandowski said without naming his backers. He added the funding wasn’t through a traditional VC series round. https://lnkd.in/gqC3YC_P

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📢 Just In: Dive into the exciting world of autonomous trucking with my latest piece! SoftBank Group Corp. has made a groundbreaking investment of over $1B in Stack AV, a venture led by the prodigies behind Argo AI.🔍 Highlights from the article:1️⃣ SoftBank’s massive endorsem*nt signifies rekindled trust in autonomous tech.2️⃣ Stack AV is driven by a vision of full autonomy, pushing beyond conventional boundaries.3️⃣ As e-commerce grows, the potential of firms like Stack AV to reshape logistics is monumental.I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the intricate details of this venture and its implications for our future. Would love to hear your insights, so please follow Future Mobility and let us know your thoughts! 💡 #StackAV #AutonomousTech #FutureOfTrucking Bryan Salesky Kentaro Matsui

Founders of shuttered Argo AI launch autonomous trucking startupThe founders of shuttered self-driving car startup Argo AI, which was abandoned by Ford Motor Co. and Volkswagen AG, are starting an autonomous trucking business with $1 billion in backing from Japan’s SoftBank Group Corp.“With our proprietary technology and expertise as well as the commitment from our long-term partner in SoftBank, we are confident we will revolutionize the trucking and freight industries,” Bryan Salesky, founder and CEO of Stack AV, said in a news release.Embark Trucks, once considered a technology leader in autonomous trucking,ran out of money. Alphabet Inc. reduced its investment in Waymo and refocused its business on ride-hailing instead of its Waymo Via trucking operations. One-time autonomous leader TuSimple isconsidering leaving the U.S. marketto focus on China and Japan.The financial investment from SoftBank provides a solid financial runway. Stack AV is based in Pittsburgh where Argo AI was located. Another autonomous trucking startup, Aurora Innovation, is also based there. It recentlyraised more than $850 millionin new capital from current investors. That suggests the freeze-up of venture capital may be thawing.Stack AV is confident it can revolutionize the trucking and freight industries. It is focused on driving improvements in efficiency and safety and alleviating supply chain constraints, Salesky said.The new company will leverage its know-how of advanced AI-powered autonomous driving systems to improve supply chains and make the most of transportation routes and energy efficiency, President Peter Rander said.SoftBank is supporting the Stack AV company with capital, resources and deep expertise in AI to help accelerate its growth and technological developments.“The transformative power of AI is undeniable and will have a significant impact on our society,” said Kentaro Matsui, head of the New Business Office at SoftBank Group and managing partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. “The next decade will be defined by AI, where all social systems will be linked by this technology to solve the most complex societal issues.” Stack AV’s leadership team — Salesky, Rander and Chief Technology Officer Brett Browning — have more than seven decades of combined experience. Stack AV has 150 employees across its headquarters and in 15 states.Source: freightwaves.com

🚚 Big Moves in Autonomous Trucking! SoftBank Group Corp. is stepping into the future, investing a staggering $1B+ in the new startup, Stack AV, pioneered by the masterminds behind Argo AI. As this Pittsburgh-based venture sets its sights on revolutionizing the transportation of goods, the industry watches with bated breath.🌐 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Strategic Investment: SoftBank's backing showcases renewed faith in autonomous vehicles.2️⃣ Innovative Vision: Stack AV, not just about lane-to-lane navigation, but full autonomy.3️⃣ Future Impact: With e-commerce booming, Stack AV's role in reshaping logistics seems promising.What do you predict for the future of autonomous trucking? Please share your thoughts!https://lnkd.in/evC-v69Z#StackAV #AutonomousVehicles #SoftBank #ArgoAI Bryan Salesky Kentaro Matsui

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Kodiak Robotics Takes the Road Less Traveled: Off-Road Autonomous Trucking 🚚🌵#KodiakRobotics has discovered a faster path to profitability by taking its #AutonomousTrucks off-road! 🎉 The self-driving truck startup recently completed its first driverless commercial delivery with Atlas Energy Solutions in the remote Permian Basin of West Texas. 🌄Key takeaways:• Kodiak's work with the U.S. Department of Defense 🇺🇸 provided valuable experience in off-road autonomous driving• Off-road environments present unique challenges, such as shifting terrain and lack of HD maps 🗺️• Autonomous trucks solve the high costs of 24/7 sand-moving operations for Atlas Energy Solutions 💰• Kodiak will offer a driver-as-a-service model, equipping Atlas's trucks with its autonomous tech 🤖• While long-haul trucking is still on the horizon, off-road autonomy offers a faster path to revenue 📈CEO Don Burnette believes that companies that prioritize profitability will come out on top in the #AutonomousDriving industry. 🏆 Kodiak's innovative approach showcases the startup's adaptability and determination to succeed! 💪#SelfDrivingTrucks #OffRoadAutonomy #InnovativeSolutions #PathToProfitabilityhttps://lnkd.in/gE96QJfP

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German startup Vay launches teledriving service in Las Vegas with plans to expand it's service to Europe in the future! Users will be able to request a ride from a electric vehicle delivered by a remote driver, through the Vay app. The customer will be able to take the wheel themselves whilst in the vehicle then the tele-driver will resume control once the user is dropped off. This comes after Vay was the first company in to have a vehicle drive on European roads without a driver inside the vehicle. Vay's solution is positioned as a midpoint between conventional cars and autonomous vehicles combining ride-hailing and car rental into one platform. MOVE: Mobility Re-imagined#startups #autonomousvehicles #robotaxis https://lnkd.in/ejAZupNv

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🚚 Revolutionizing Trucking! 🤖#Michigan startup FreightMiner is changing the game with a groundbreaking autonomous trucking software prototype, showcased at last week's North American International Auto Show in Detroit! 🌟🔹 What sets FreightMiner apart?Their unique approach combines remote operation and autonomous driving, ensuring safety and efficiency. Trucks can be remotely operated for complex city driving and autonomously navigate long freeway stretches. 💼🛣️🔹 Solving Industry Challenges:- Labor Shortage: No more Hours of Service regulation since drivers are no longer in the cab.- Fewer Drivers: Only human intervention at the start and end of trips means less need for drivers. 🚫⌛This #innovation promises a brighter, more efficient future for the trucking industry 🚀🔌#FreightMiner #AutonomousTrucking #Innovation #FutureTech #MichiganTech #TruckingSolutions #startups #autonomous #madeinmichiganhttps://lnkd.in/gEJxnw_s

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Vay a regular supporter of MOVE: Mobility Re-imagined America has successfully driven its teledrive vehicles on public roads in Las Vegas without a human operating from the inside.Vay has become the first teledriver specialist to operate on public roads on two separate continents. However, Vay is not the first company to operate vehicles in the U.S. Fellow teledriving specialist Halo.Carhas been operating “driverless” ridesin Las Vegas since June of this year.We are pleased to announce that Vay have already confirmed their involvement in MOVE America 2024. We are excited to have both Caleb Varner, US General Manager and Claire Eagan, Director - Legal, participating on the conference program.Caleb will be covering the theme 'How electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology are converging' whilst Claire will be providing her expertise on the topic of 'Driverless vehicles: how is global regulation developing?'.For more information on MOVE America 2024 - https://lnkd.in/gSNW4eQE#driverlesscars #ridehailing #technology #innovation #startups #mobility #reducingemissions

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Autonomous delivery startup Nuro is gearing up for a comebackNuro, an autonomous delivery startup, has received approval from the California DMV to test its third-generation R3 vehicles in several Bay Area cities. These vehicles, designed to carry goods rather than passengers, represent one of the largest deployments of fully driverless vehicles in the U.S. Nuro has shifted its focus from manufacturing to perfecting its autonomy technology, marked by significant software and hardware advancements. Despite pausing a large-scale manufacturing partnership with BYD, Nuro continues to test R3's capabilities and plans to launch the fleet later this year while maintaining a commercial partnership with Uber Eats.https://lnkd.in/gWSS-URG