Kodiak Robotics, Inc., a prominent developer of self-driving technology catering to the trucking and defense sectors, has just unveiled its groundbreaking autonomous test vehicle crafted exclusively for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This cutting-edge vehicle is a modified Ford F-150 featuring Kodiak’s advanced autonomous system, the Kodiak Driver. Boasting both the necessary autonomy hardware and software, it stands prepared to navigate military ground operations seamlessly. Engineered to excel in intricate military environments, diverse operational scenarios, and regions with compromised GPS signals, the Kodiak Driver-equipped vehicle adeptly handles off-road challenges such as rocks, dust, mud, and water. Additionally, the Kodiak Driver offers the Army the capability to remotely operate vehicles when the need arises.
Don Burnette, Founder and CEO of Kodiak, highlighted the robustness and adaptability of their autonomous system, the Kodiak Driver, with the introduction of the latest autonomous vehicle. He emphasized the comprehensive nature of their autonomous system, capable of seamless integration into various vehicle types, ranging from Class 8 trucks to pickups and next-generation defense vehicles. The demonstration of Kodiak’s technology in an off-road-capable vehicle showcases the potential for commercial and dual-use technology to reshape national security, aligning with the Department of Defense’s heightened focus on autonomous technology. Kodiak takes pride in supporting the military and envisions a future where Kodiak Driver-powered vehicles enhance mission options and technical superiority for the U.S. military while ensuring the safety of servicemen and women.
Kodiak showcased the portability of the Kodiak Driver by successfully integrating it into a new vehicle within a remarkable six-month timeframe. This rapid development is facilitated by the versatility of Kodiak’s modular and vehicle-agnostic autonomous system. The vehicle operates on the same software as Kodiak’s autonomous long-haul trucks and incorporates Kodiak DefensePods, an adapted version of the modular and swappable SensorPods designed for defense applications. Technicians can efficiently replace a DefensePod in the field in 10 minutes or less, requiring no specialized training.
In December 2022, Kodiak announced a contract award, including options up to $50 million, with the U.S. Department of Defense, specifically the Defense Innovation Unit, in support of the U.S. Army’s efforts to develop demonstrator prototype autonomous ground vehicles. Aligned with the Army’s Product Manager Robotic Combat Vehicle program’s Software Acquisition Pathways strategy, this contract enables the separate acquisition of hardware and software solutions, ensuring optimal combinations for persistent modernization.
Under this program, Kodiak is tasked with constructing and delivering two off-road-capable vehicles based on the Ford F-150. Testing commenced at a U.S. military base in November 2023, and upon successful completion, Kodiak intends to integrate its autonomous system into a purpose-built ground reconnaissance vehicle for military applications.
Before testing the F-150 vehicles, Kodiak employed its semi-trucks to assess the autonomous system in off-road environments. This off-road testing not only aids in refining the Kodiak Driver’s performance in handling dust, rocks, and small obstacles but also contributes to the continuous improvement of Kodiak’s on-road long-haul trucking technology.
About Kodiak Robotics, Inc.
Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 to become the trusted world leader in autonomous ground transportation, committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company is developing the industry-leading autonomous technology for commercial freight and defense applications. Kodiak’s unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into a streamlined sensor-pod structure that optimizes for perception, scalability, and maintainability. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the South, driving over 70,000 autonomous miles per month. Kodiak leverages its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. Learn more about Kodiak on the web at kodiak.ai, and on LinkedIn and Twitter. You can find the company press kit HERE.