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Fox News
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
AI-powered self-driving software is disrupting the trucking industry
Print Close By Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report Published June 25, 2025 Artificial intelligence-powered self-driving trucks are no longer a distant concept. They are quickly becoming a real solution to some of the logistics industry's biggest challenges. As supply chains face growing pressure and the driver shortage deepens across the U.S. and Europe, Plus Automation is stepping up with bold ambitions and powerful AI. Recently, the Santa Clara, California-based startup announced it will go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX. The combined company will operate as PlusAI, which describes itself as a Physical AI company commercializing AI-based virtual driver software for autonomous trucks. While the SPAC merger is a major milestone, at the heart of this deal is Plus' goal of driving the future of autonomous freight and reshaping the trucking industry, even as concerns around safety, regulation and driver jobs continue to spark debate. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join. DRIVERLESS BIG RIG ROBOTRUCKS ARE NOW ON THE ROAD IN THIS STATE Why Plus is grabbing attention in the trucking world Trucking is a $2 trillion freight market in the U.S. and Europe alone, and it faces some serious headwinds. There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries. Plus's SuperDrive software is designed to address these pain points by enabling safe, scalable autonomous trucking. The technology is not just theoretical. It has already been tested over five million miles across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, gathering real-world data to make its AI smarter and more reliable with every trip. Founded in Silicon Valley in 2016 by engineers and entrepreneurs with deep roots in AI and machine learning, Plus has always aimed to do things differently. Instead of relying on hand-coded rules, Plus uses advanced AI models to create a "driving intelligence" that learns and adapts from every mile on the road. This AV 2.0 approach helped Plus achieve a major safety milestone in April 2025, when its SuperDrive system successfully completed "driver-out" validation. The truck operated autonomously without a human behind the wheel. Plus is currently running public road tests in Texas and Sweden, with more fleet trials coming soon. HOW TO LOWER YOUR CAR INSURANCE COSTS IN 2025 DRIVERLESS BIG RIG ROBOTRUCKS ARE NOW ON THE ROAD IN THIS STATE The power of partnerships: OEMs and industry leaders One of Plus's biggest strengths is its deep integration with top truck manufacturers, including TRATON GROUP, Hyundai, and IVECO. These companies are working closely with Plus to factory-build, validate, and support autonomous trucks powered by SuperDrive. This OEM-led strategy means that fleet operators will receive autonomous trucks ready for the road, complete with support from trusted manufacturers. Plus is not working in isolation. The company has formed strategic collaborations with industry leaders like DSV, Bosch, and NVIDIA. These partnerships are designed to accelerate the rollout of autonomous capabilities and ensure that the technology is robust, reliable, and ready for real-world deployment. By working together, they are building an ecosystem that supports fleet operators every step of the way. WOULD YOU HOP ON THIS DRIVERLESS ELECTRIC CITY BUS? Financial strength and a smart business model The upcoming merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX is expected to provide Plus with up to $300 million in gross proceeds. This capital will help fund the commercial launch of SuperDrive-enabled, factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027. Plus is entering the public market with a pre-money valuation of $1.2 billion, offering an attractive opportunity for investors interested in the next wave of AI-driven logistics. What sets Plus apart financially is its capital-light, software-focused model. Instead of building trucks from scratch, Plus provides the AI "brain" that powers them, generating recurring revenue through a driver-as-a-service approach. This means high margins, scalable growth, and a clear path to profitability. The company is led by a team of experienced founders and executives, including CEO David Liu, who has a proven track record of building and scaling technology startups. Liu underscores the company's broader mission, stating: "Our long-term vision is to empower fleet operators to run global freight networks with autonomous vehicles that improve safety, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. We believe the industry is at a critical inflection point, driven by breakthroughs in AI, supportive regulatory momentum, and ecosystem readiness." WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? BIG RIGS DELIVER CARGO WITH NO HUMANS AT THE WHEEL Why autonomous trucking is more relevant than ever The numbers tell a compelling story. The U.S. and Europe together face a shortage of over 300,000 truck drivers every year, and that gap is only expected to widen as the workforce ages. Autonomous trucks offer a real solution by reducing operating costs, increasing truck utilization, and helping fleet operators keep up with demand. Plus's SuperDrive system is purpose-built for these challenges. With ongoing fleet trials and partnerships, the company is well-positioned to deliver a safe, scalable alternative to traditional trucking. 15 BEST FEATURES OF AMAZON PRIME YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT What's next for Plus and the industry? Looking ahead, Plus is targeting the commercial launch of its SuperDrive-enabled trucks in 2027, starting in the U.S. and expanding into Europe. With operations in California, Texas, and Germany, Plus is ready to support customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The company's long-term vision is to empower fleet operators to run global freight networks with autonomous vehicles that improve safety, boost efficiency, and cut costs. Not everyone is onboard: Skepticism and industry pushback While Plus Automation's vision is ambitious, it is not without critics. The autonomous trucking industry continues to face scrutiny from regulators, labor unions, and some logistics professionals who question whether the technology is truly ready for wide-scale deployment. Regulatory uncertainty remains one of the biggest obstacles. Fully autonomous, driver-out operations like Plus is testing raise complex questions about safety, liability, and insurance. Many policymakers are cautious, arguing that current oversight and laws have not yet adapted to the fast-moving landscape of vehicle automation. Labor organizations, particularly the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have voiced strong opposition. They warn that the widespread adoption of autonomous trucks could displace tens of thousands of human drivers and impact job security across the freight industry. These groups are pushing for more transparency, safety assurances, and legal protections for workers as automation expands. In a public statement opposing the rapid rollout of autonomous trucks, Sean M. O'Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said this: "We are not going to sit back and watch as automation threatens the livelihood of millions of truck drivers across America." This quote underscores the growing tension between innovation and labor rights. For many in the workforce, autonomous trucking is seen less as a technological leap forward and more as a potential disruption to long-standing jobs and livelihoods. Even within the logistics industry itself, some operators remain skeptical about the pace of adoption. Questions remain about how autonomous systems will handle unpredictable real-world conditions such as bad weather, complex intersections, and rural roadways where sensor performance can vary. In response, Plus emphasizes its phased approach to automation. Rather than replacing drivers overnight, the company positions its SuperDrive system as a way to augment human capabilities, improve safety, and reduce fatigue. Its deep partnerships with trusted manufacturers and logistics providers are also aimed at easing the transition and building confidence across the industry. As Plus prepares to go public, how it addresses these concerns from regulators, workers, and industry stakeholders will be critical. Earning trust may prove just as important as advancing the technology itself. SUBSCRIBE TO KURT'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES The long road to autonomous safety According to Linda Garner-Bunch, managing editor of The Trucker Media Group : "The idea of developing viable — and safe — autonomous Class 8 trucks has been around since the 1990s, with lots of tech firms tossing their hats in the ring. Many of those firms have failed, often because of a lack of funding. In addition, both the general public and the trucking industry have expressed concerns about the safety of current autonomous technology. After all, an 80,000-pound driverless truck can do a lot more damage than a 6,000-pound passenger car if something goes wrong! To address this, legislation has been introduced requiring that a qualified human operator be present in autonomous heavy-duty trucks to take over manual control as needed. Even so, autonomous tech is becoming increasingly common in both commercial and private vehicles — think anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, camera systems … the list goes on and on. Autonomy may be the future of the trucking industry, but it's not ready for full deployment at this time. Adequate funding is needed to ensure that the development and testing of autonomous technology is done properly and safely. The merger between Plus and Churchill Capital Corp IX will help ensure the company has the necessary capital to conduct research, development, and testing while ensuring the safety of everyone on the road." Kurt's key takeaways Autonomous trucking might still sound futuristic to some, but companies like Plus Automation are proving it's already becoming a reality. With real-world testing, major industry partnerships, and a smart approach to scaling, Plus is putting itself in a strong position to lead this next chapter in logistics. That said, the journey won't be without its challenges. From regulatory roadblocks to concerns about the impact on jobs, there's still a lot to figure out. But if Plus can keep building trust and showing that its tech really does make trucking safer and more efficient, it could help reshape how freight moves across the U.S. and beyond. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Are you ready to share the road with autonomous trucks powered by AI instead of human drivers, or do you think there are still hurdles to overcome before this technology should go mainstream? Let us know by writing us at . For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to . Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover . Follow Kurt on his social channels Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Print Close URL
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Inceptio Technology Joins the Autoware Foundation to Accelerate Autonomous Driving Technologies for Trucks
SHANGHAI, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Inceptio Technology ("Inceptio" or the "Company"), an industry leading developer of autonomous truck technologies, today announced that it has joined the Autoware Foundation, an open alliance for autonomous driving technology. Inceptio will collaborate with the Autoware Foundation members globally to advance innovation and accelerate the deployment of safe, scalable autonomous truck technologies. Launched in 2018, the Autoware Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting open-source collaboration that accelerates the development of autonomous driving technology globally. Founded in 2018, Inceptio's mission is to build a safer, more efficient line-haul logistics by partnering with OEMs and logistics operators to preload its technologies and systems into series production trucks. Inceptio launched the industry's first series production autonomous trucks in late 2021. To date, Inceptio Autonomous Driving System has achieved over 200 million kilometers of commercial operations. Inceptio's technology portfolio covers L4, L3 and L2+. Leveraging its proprietary full-stack Inceptio Autonomous Driving System - which features long-range perception, high-precision tractor and tailer control, fuel-efficient driving algorithm, as well as HPC specifically designed for truck's operating condition - Inceptio has delivered proven, significant improvement on safety and saving on fuel and labor to the trucking industry. Its data-driven R&D platform continuously refines core modules in real time, enabling rapid deployment and optimization of its autonomous truck technologies across diverse use cases in trucking. "We are excited to welcome Inceptio Technology to the Autoware Foundation," said Shinpei Kato, Founder and Fellow of the Autoware Foundation. "Inceptio's proven track record in autonomous trucking and deep industry and production expertise will be invaluable as we work together to build the next generation of autonomous mobility solutions for the trucking industry." Inceptio will actively participate in the Autoware Foundation initiatives by contributing technology and use cases, exploring new applications, and forging global partnerships. Inceptio will be working with partners including technology companies and leading OEMs to integrate Autoware solutions with its proprietary components in proof-of-concept and series production projects worldwide, in particular in the truck segment. "We look forward to collaborating with a global open-source community of innovators to accelerate the development of autonomous driving technologies and extend the community's reach deep into truck segment." said Julian Ma, Founder and CEO of Inceptio Technology. "Our extensive experience in series production and insight from world's largest commercial deployment of autonomous truck uniquely position us to contribute to the Autoware Foundation, driving safer and more efficient logistics worldwide." About the Autoware Foundation The Autoware Foundation is a non-profit organization that hosts the Autoware project, the world's leading open-source software project for autonomous driving. The Autoware project is built on Robot Operating System (ROS), and through using open source, it lowers the entry barrier to autonomous driving technology and enables commercial deployment of autonomous driving in a broad range of vehicles and applications. The Autoware Foundation has a vision to build open-source software for globally trusted autonomous driving systems that engage and advance society, and is on a mission to co-create a neutral, trusted hub that advances safety and beyond in mobility and society. Autoware is the trade mark of the Autoware Foundation. Learn more about the Autoware Foundation on About Inceptio Technology Inceptio Technology is an industry leading developer of autonomous driving technologies for heavy-duty trucks. Its flagship technology is the Inceptio Autonomous Driving System, a proprietary full-stack solution. Inceptio partnered with leading OEMs to roll out the industry's first series production L3 autonomous trucks in late 2021. These trucks are operated by customers across all line-haul logistics sectors including express delivery, full-truckload (FTL) transportation, less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation, and cold chain. Inceptio is at the cutting edge of developing fully driverless trucks. In 2022 it became the first company in China to receive a public road-testing permit for driverless autonomous heavy-duty trucks. For more information on Inceptio Technology, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Inceptio Technology
BBC News
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
China's driverless lorries hope to expand
They rumble down the highway between Beijing and Tianjin port: big lorries, loaded up and fully able to navigate there is a safety driver in the seat, as per government regulations, but these lorries don't require them, and many analysts say it won't take long before they are "safety driver" Huo Kangtian, 32, first takes his hands off the wheel, and lets the lorry drive itself, it is somehow impressive and disconcerting in equal the initial stages of the journey, he is in full control. Then - at a certain point - he hits a few buttons, and the powerful, heavy machine is driving itself, moving at speed along a public road to Tianjin."Of course, I felt a bit scared the first time I drove an autonomous truck," says Mr Huo. "But, after spending a lot of time observing and testing these machines, I think they are actually pretty good and safe."As the lorry veers off the freeway and up a ramp towards the toll gates, the machine is still driving itself. On the other side of the tollgate, Mr Huo again presses a few buttons, and he is back in charge."My job as a safety driver is to act as the last line of defence. For example, in the case of an emergency, I would have to take back control of the vehicle immediately to ensure everyone's safety," he terms of the upsides for a driver, he says that switching to autonomous mode can help combat stress and fatigue, as well as freeing up hands and feet for other tasks. He says it doesn't make his job boring, but rather more asked if he is worried that this technology may one day render his job obsolete, he says he doesn't know too much about the diplomatic answer. Pony AI's fleet of driverless lorries, currently operating on these test routes, is only the start of what is to come, the company's vice-president Li Hengyu tells the BBC."In the future, with driverless operations, our transportation efficiency will definitely be greatly improved," he says. "For example, labour costs will be reduced but, more importantly, we can deal better with harsh environments and long hours driving."What this all boils down to is saving money, says industry expert Yang Ruigang, a technology professor from Shanghai Jiaotong University, who has extensive experience working on driverless technology in both China and the US."Anything that can reduce operating costs is something a company would like to have, so it's fairly easy to justify the investment in having a fully autonomous, driverless truck," he tells the short, he says, the goal is simple: "Reduce the driver cost close to zero." However, significant hurdles remain before lorries will be allowed to drive themselves on roads around the world - not the least of which is public China, self-driving technology suffered a major setback following an accident which killed three university students after their vehicle had been in "auto pilot" Intelligence Unit analyst Chim Lee says the Chinese public still has quite a way to go before it is won over."We know that recent accidents involving passenger cars have caused a huge uproar in China. So, for driverless trucks – even though they tend to be more specific to certain locations for the time being – the public's image of them is going to be absolutely critical for policy makers, and for the market as well, compared to passenger vehicles."Professor Yang agrees that lorry drivers are unlikely to lose their jobs in large numbers just yet."We have to discuss the context. Open environment? Probably not. High speed? Definitely no. But, if it is a low-speed situation, like with the last mile delivery trucks, it's here already." In Eastern China's Anhui Province, hundreds of driverless delivery vans navigate their way through the suburban streets of Hefei - a city with an official population of eight million - as human-driven scooters and cars whizz around was once one of country's poorest cities, but these days its government wants it to be known as a place of the future, prepared to give new technology a Huang, president of autonomous vehicle company, says they discovered a market niche where driverless delivery vans could send parcels from big distribution hubs run by courier companies to local neighbourhood stations. At that point, scooter drivers take over, dropping off the packages to people's front doors."We're allowing couriers to stay within community areas to do pickup and drop off while the autonomous vans handle the repetitive, longer-distance trips. This boosts the entire system's efficiency," he tells has also been talking to other countries, and the company says the quickest uptake of its vehicles will be in Australia later this year, when a supermarket chain will start using their driverless delivery in China, they say they're now running more than 500 vans with road access in over 50 Hefei remains the most from Rino, the city has also now given permission for other driverless delivery van companies to Huang says this is due to a combination of factors."Encouragement came from the government, followed by local experimentation, the gaining of experience, the refinement of regulations and eventually allowing a broad implementation."And you can see them on the roads, changing lanes, indicating before they turn, pulling up at red lights and avoiding other the courier companies, the numbers tell the story. According to Rino's regional director for Anhui Province, Zhang Qichen, deliveries are not only faster, but companies can hire three autonomous electric delivery vans which will run for days without needing a charge for the same cost as one says she has been blown away by the pace of change in her industry and adds that she would not be surprised if heavy, long-haul lorries are routinely driving themselves on roads in certain circumstances within five Yang agrees. "Heavy trucks running along a highway unrestricted, at least five years away."When asked if it could really happen so soon, he responds: "I'm pretty sure it will happen. In fact, I'm confident that it will happen."Industry insiders say that the most immediate applications for driverless lorries – apart from in enclosed industrial zones likes open-cut mines or ports – are probably in remote, harsh terrain with extreme environmental conditions, especially along vast stretches and in a largely straight technical challenges do remain lorries need better cameras to track well ahead into distance to detect hazards much further down the road, in the same way a person can; more tricky roads may also need to have extra sensors placed along the route; other hurdles could include breakdowns in extreme weather or sudden, unexpected dangers emerging amidst very busy top of all this, the technology – when it comes to heavy lorries – is still not cheap. What's more, these vehicles are right now modified old style lorries rather than self-driving vehicles straight off the production wants to be a champion of new tech, but it also has to be careful, not only because of the potential for deadly accidents but also because of how Chinese people might view this shift."This is not just about fulfilling regulations. It is not just about building a public image," says Chim Lee. "But that, over time, the public will see the benefit of this technology, see how it will reduce their costs for buying things, or look at it as a way of imagining that society is improving, rather than viewing this as technology which is potentially destroying, causing car accidents or removing employment opportunities."Professor Yang sees another problem. "We humans can tolerate another human driver making mistakes but our tolerance for autonomous trucks is much much lower. Machines are not supposed to make mistakes. So, we have to make sure that the system is extremely reliable."
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Self-driving startup Plus to go public through $1.2 billion SPAC deal
(Reuters) -Self-driving truck startup Plus Automation will go public in the U.S. through a merger with blank-check firm Churchill Capital Corp IX in a $1.2 billion deal, the companies said on Thursday. The transaction will provide the company with $300 million in gross proceeds, which it plans to use to achieve the commercial launch of its autonomous trucks in 2027. The combined company will operate as PlusAI, after the transaction closes. Citigroup advised Churchill IX on the deal, while Northland Capital Markets served as the financial adviser to Plus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Reuters
05-06-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Self-driving startup Plus to go public through $1.2 billion SPAC deal
June 5 (Reuters) - Self-driving truck startup Plus Automation will go public in the U.S. through a merger with blank-check firm Churchill Capital Corp IX (CCIX.O), opens new tab in a $1.2 billion deal, the companies said on Thursday. The transaction will provide the company with $300 million in gross proceeds, which it plans to use to achieve the commercial launch of its autonomous trucks in 2027. The combined company will operate as PlusAI, after the transaction closes. Citigroup advised Churchill IX on the deal, while Northland Capital Markets served as the financial adviser to Plus.
