Waabi, a leader in generative AI for real-world applications, has teamed up with Volvo Autonomous Solutions to revolutionize the freight industry with autonomous trucking. This strategic partnership leverages Waabi’s cutting-edge AI expertise and Volvo’s stronghold in automation and safety to create a new era of smarter, safer, and more efficient freight transport.
Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, emphasized the importance of integrating AI technology directly into original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for widespread deployment. “At Waabi, we believe the key to bringing safe and robust aumous vehicles tonoto scale is by embedding next-generation AI technology within an OEM’s vehicle production,” Urtasun stated. “Volvo’s reputation for safety, engineering excellence, and commitment to future innovations makes them the perfect partner in bringing self-driving trucks to the world.”
As part of this collaboration, Volvo will integrate Waabi’s AI-driven virtual driver system, known as the Waabi Driver, into the Volvo VNL Autonomous—a cutting-edge autonomous truck designed with redundant systems to ensure safe operation. The Volvo VNL Autonomous will be manufactured at Volvo’s New River Valley assembly plant in Virginia. Built on Volvo’s advanced autonomous technology platform, the truck is designed to cater to various operational needs, use cases, and fleet requirements across North America. With the freight industry valued at over US$1 trillion, the partnership seeks to redefine safety and efficiency standards through the deployment of next-generation autonomous trucks.
Both Waabi and Volvo are deeply committed to tackling the transportation sector’s biggest challenges—improving safety, increasing efficiency, and promoting sustainability. Waabi’s proprietary AV2.0 approach, powered by an end-to-end interpretable and verifiable AI model, is designed to enable autonomous trucks to adapt to diverse driving scenarios seamlessly. Central to this approach is Waabi’s industry-leading neural simulator, which provides an ultra-realistic testing environment for validating self-driving technology before it even hits the road. By integrating this breakthrough innovation into Volvo’s purpose-built autonomous truck, the partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of safe and scalable autonomous transport solutions.
Shahrukh Kazmi, Chief Product Officer at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Waabi is leading the way in self-driving technology, harnessing the full potential of AI. We are thrilled to integrate their cutting-edge technology into our autonomous truck platform and work together to develop a safe, efficient, and scalable transport solution,” Kazmi said.
This partnership builds upon Volvo’s existing collaboration with Waabi, which began two years ago. Volvo Group Venture Capital initially became a strategic investor in Waabi in January 2023 and later contributed to its US$200 million Series B funding round. Over the past two years, both companies have been laying the groundwork for seamless integration of the Waabi Driver into the Volvo VNL Autonomous. With testing scheduled to begin in 2025, the partnership is well on its way to delivering a game-changing autonomous trucking solution that has the potential to redefine freight transport across North America.
By combining AI-driven innovation with Volvo’s industry-leading expertise, this collaboration marks a significant step toward the widespread deployment of autonomous trucks—paving the way for a future where freight transportation is not only more efficient but also safer and more sustainable.
