In it for the long haul: teaming up with PACCAR to build and deploy self-driving trucks

By Sterling Anderson

Today we're excited to share that we've entered into a global strategic partnership with PACCAR in preparation for the delivery of the Aurora Driver’s first application in trucking. This partnership combines PACCAR’s considerable expertise in heavy-duty truck development, manufacturing, and sales with our deep understanding of autonomous vehicle technology to bring a safe, efficient self-driving product to market quickly and deploy it broadly.

We’ve been laying the groundwork for this product and this partnership for some time. Many of our test vehicles today are built on PACCAR’s trucks. Our industry-leading sensor suite is unique in its ability to safely operate them, and our vehicle-agnostic Driver was developed to quickly and seamlessly adapt to them. Finally, the flexible ecosystem we’re developing will allow shippers and carriers to seamlessly integrate these trucks into their existing operations.

This partnership builds on that foundation in two key ways—both of which are a first for both PACCAR and Aurora in the trucking space:

• It brings our engineering teams together around an accelerated development program to create truly driverless-capable trucks, starting with the Peterbilt 579 and the Kenworth T680.

• It also brings together the broader PACCAR and Aurora organizations in the creation of an expansive commercialization plan for the deployment of these trucks at scale over the next several years.

Aurora is positioned to lead this industry

The industry’s definition of “leading” will change this year. While Aurora as a company has not been a part of this industry as long as others, our people have. And when experienced people get a fresh start with next-generation technology, it can be difficult to match their speed. Combine that speed with strong partnerships built on mutual respect and a common vision, and you’re in business. It's an exciting time for Aurora, for PACCAR, and for the industry, and we look forward to sharing the continued progress we'll make together as we deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly.

The momentum continues at Aurora and we’re hiring in all disciplines to help us solve one of the biggest challenges of our generation. Check out our careers page to see open positions and learn more about what it’s like to work at Aurora.