Toronto-based startup Waabi is leveraging generative AI and NVIDIA technology to transform the autonomous trucking industry, with plans to launch fully driverless operations next year.
The company recently announced its collaboration with NVIDIA at the GPU Technology Conference (GTC) in March, where it revealed plans to use the NVIDIA DRIVE Thor centralised car computer for its Waabi Driver system.
Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, emphasised the significance of this partnership: "We are excited to have a deep collaboration with NVIDIA to bring generative AI to the edge, on our vehicles, at scale."
Waabi's innovative approach combines two generative AI systems: Waabi World, an advanced simulator that acts as a "teacher," and Waabi Driver, a single, end-to-end AI system that functions as a "student." This unique pairing reduces the need for extensive on-road testing while enhancing safety and efficiency.
The startup's use of NVIDIA DRIVE OS, an operating system designed for safe, AI-defined autonomous vehicles, further bolsters its technological capabilities. Urtasun explained that generative AI accelerates AV development by enabling the creation of foundation models that can operate unsupervised, significantly reducing the need for manual engineering.
Waabi's progress is marked by several recent achievements, including a $200 million Series B funding round with NVIDIA's participation, a partnership with Uber Freight, the launch of its first commercial autonomous trucking routes in the U.S., and the opening of a trucking terminal near Dallas.
As Waabi prepares for the launch of its fully driverless operations in 2025, the company's innovative use of generative AI and strong partnership with NVIDIA position it at the forefront of the autonomous trucking industry.