Kodiak Robotics delivers autonomous Ford F-150 prototype to US Army.

Kodiak Robotics has successfully adapted its autonomous driving technology for use in both heavy-duty trucks and light-duty vehicles, specifically a prototype Ford F-150 pickup truck, as detailed by Alan Adler in Freight Waves. This prototype, delivered to the U.S. military, demonstrates Kodiak's ability to integrate its autonomous systems, including both hardware and software, into a range of vehicles. The Ford F-150, equipped with the Kodiak Driver, is designed to navigate challenging military environments, operate under varied operational conditions, and function in areas with unreliable GPS.
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Kodiak Robotics has successfully adapted its autonomous driving technology for use in both heavy-duty trucks and light-duty vehicles, specifically a prototype Ford F-150 pickup truck (Picture source: Kodiak Robotics)

The vehicle's design is optimized for handling off-road challenges like rocks, dust, mud, and water. It also includes remote control capabilities for specific situations. According to Kodiak's founder and CEO, Don Burnette, this development exemplifies the adaptability and maturity of their autonomous system, which can be integrated into various vehicle types, from trucks to pickups and future defense vehicles.

RRAI, a leading company in vehicle autonomy, has developed much of the autonomous driving technology utilized by the military. These developments are part of the Army's Defense Innovation Unit's initiative to create prototype autonomous ground vehicles. Founded in 2002, RRAI has 20 years of experience in customizing autonomous solutions for defense, commercial, and municipal uses.

Kodiak's autonomous technology, with its dual-use capability, secured a contract worth up to $50 million from the U.S. Department of Defense in December 2022. The integration of the Kodiak Driver into the Ford F-150, America's top-selling pickup truck, was achieved in less than six months, showcasing the versatility and rapid adaptability of Kodiak's autonomous system. The vehicle employs the same software as Kodiak’s long-haul trucks and features Kodiak Defense Pods, which are easily replaceable in the field without specialized training.

Kodiak delivered two off-road-capable Ford F-150 prototypes to the U.S. Army. Testing started at a military base in November 2023. Post-testing, the plan is to implement this autonomous system in a specially designed military reconnaissance vehicle. Before the F-150's testing, Kodiak's semi-trucks were used to refine the autonomous system in off-road settings, enhancing the technology for long-haul trucking by addressing challenges like dust and small obstacles.

The significance of dual-use technology in both military and civilian/commercial applications appears as a key to future efficiencies and innovations. Kodiak is also gearing up to launch driverless semi-trucks in Texas by late 2024, currently covering over 70,000 miles monthly with driver-monitored trucks.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin listens to a representative from drone company Skydio who attended a presentation of Kodiak Robotics’ autonomous driving system on a Ford F-150 pickup adapted for military use (Picture source: Kodiak Robotics)

Defense News December 2023