To integrate its smart-sensing tyre technologies and fleet solutions into Kodiak's Level-4 autonomous trucks, Bridgestone Americas has made a minority investment in Kodiak Robotics.
Kodiak, a leading US-based self-driving trucking company, and Bridgestone will also pilot future autonomous and smart tyre technologies to enhance vehicle intelligence further and advance toward a safer, more efficient, and sustainable mobility future.
Kodiak moves freight autonomously for its customers using its fleet of Level-4 self-driving long-haul trucks. With plans to deploy driverless trucks in the next few years, full vehicle intelligence is a significant key to unlocking safe, efficient and sustainable autonomy for Kodiak and its customers. Bridgestone's suite of cloud-based technologies leverages connected vehicle data to help predict tyre health and maintenance, as well as optimise tyre lifespan. In addition, Bridgestone's vehicle platform technologies provide tyre intelligence to vehicle safety and autonomous systems to tune their performance and drive safer outcomes.
Both the companies will be able to link vehicle-based and smart-sensing tyre technologies to improve vehicle safety, fleet efficiency, and the next generation of autonomous trucking solutions.
Paolo Ferrari, Global Chief Solutions Officer, Bridgestone Corporation, and President & CEO, Bridgestone Americas, said automated vehicles offer several benefits to commercial fleet customers and society, including safer roads with fewer unexpected incidents. Besides, it also helps in saving more than 20% in fuel and efficiency. Advancements in tyre-centric technologies are critical to unlocking more incredible mobility innovations while also delivering significant sustainability benefits. 'This investment will enable Bridgestone and Kodiak to work together to co-develop advanced mobility solutions with speed and precision that will revolutionise commercial trucking,' he added.
Don Burnette, Co-founder and CEO, Kodiak Robotics, said Bridgestone's investment is important for Kodiak and a significant validation of its autonomous system. Kodiak and Bridgestone will work together to advance self-driving trucking technology, from tyres and sensors to predictive maintenance, he added.