Talking Transports: Kodiak AI Drives Toward Trucking Autonomy
Talking Transports
Kodiak AI Drives Toward Trucking Autonomy
Autonomous trucking is shifting from pilot to early commercialization as technology, safety validation, and economics converge. In this Talking Transports podcast, Kodiak AI Founder and CEO Don Burnette joins Bloomberg Intelligence’s Lee Klaskow to discuss how the company is deploying driverless trucks in real-world operations and preparing for long-haul expansion. Burnett outlines Kodiak’s software-first approach, avoiding rigid mapping in favor of real-time AI perception, and highlights cost advantages from 24/7 utilization and lower labor dependency. He also addresses regulatory misconceptions, safety case development, and what it will take for adoption to accelerate. The company is not just focused on trucking, as the conversation branches out to various applications. Burnette also discusses the challenges and fulfillment of being a founder.
Apr 14, 2026