Autonomous truck technology developer Waabi and Volvo Autonomous Solutions have announced the successful integration of Waabi's AI-powered driving system, Waabi Driver, into Volvo's VNL Autonomous trucks. This milestone marks a new phase in the strategic partnership between the two companies, first announced in February this year. Following the integration, both firms are now focusing on broader commercial deployment plans.

Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, stated in a press release: "The future of autonomous trucks hinges on three critical factors: safe, scalable self-driving technology that meets customer needs; purpose-built hardware designed for autonomous operations; and a commercialization model that solves supply chain challenges without introducing new bottlenecks."

For Volvo, incorporating Waabi's virtual driving system enhances its customized VNL Autonomous truck, which features redundant systems supporting fully driverless operations, including braking, steering, and communications.

Earlier this year, Urtasun emphasized in an interview that the success of autonomous trucking companies depends on vertical integration and partnerships with OEMs. "Retrofitting isn't viable for redundant platforms—we believe autonomous technology must be vertically integrated into purpose-built redundant systems," she noted.

This integration represents a key step in Waabi's commercialization roadmap. The company aims to achieve a "driver-out" milestone by year-end and recently appointed Lior Ron, former Uber Freight CEO, as COO to scale operations ahead of full commercial launch.

The collaboration builds on Volvo Group Venture Capital's strategic investment in Waabi in January 2023, with additional participation in Waabi's $200 million Series B funding round.