Kodiak is using Vay’s remote driving tech in its self-driving trucks

Kodiak Robotics is integrating cutting-edge remote driving technology from Vay, a Berlin-based driverless car-sharing startup, into its fleet of self-driving trucks. This collaboration, announced recently, marks a significant step forward for Kodiak, which has been conducting driverless deliveries for Atlas Energy Solutions in the oil-rich regions of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico since last year. The partnership aims to enhance operational safety as Kodiak prepares for commercial driverless deliveries on public highways in Texas, set to commence in the latter half of 2026. Remote driving, or teleoperations, is increasingly viewed as a vital technology that bridges the gap in autonomous vehicle capabilities, particularly in complex environments. Vay’s remote-driving system complements Kodiak’s autonomous driving technology, offering an additional layer of support. This synergy allows a human operator to manage Kodiak’s self-driving trucks in specific low-speed scenarios, thanks to Vay’s teleoperations setup, which includes essential controls and software for remote navigation. Importantly, while the remote driver can guide the vehicle, Kodiak’s proprietary “assisted autonomy” system remains in control, ensuring the automated driving system continues to perform necessary checks and balances. Kodiak's CTO, Andreas Wendel, emphasized that the integration ensures a consistent experience for remote operators across various vehicle types and loads. Kodiak's trained personnel, all of whom hold commercial driver’s licenses, utilize Vay’s technology to safely navigate low-speed situations, such as intricate construction zones. Wendel revealed that the exploration of remote driving began after the company secured a contract with the U.S. Army in 2022, highlighting the need for flexibility in challenging scenarios. Initially, Kodiak attempted to develop its own remote-driving capabilities but later recognized Vay’s established system as a more effective solution. This partnership not only represents a significant achievement for Vay, which has successfully deployed its teleoperations technology in real-world situations, but also highlights its ambition to expand beyond consumer services into commercial applications. Vay’s co-founder and CEO, Thomas von der Ohe, envisions building a global remote driving platform, drawing parallels to how Amazon developed AWS. Meanwhile, Kodiak’s CEO Don Burnette noted that the enhanced “assisted autonomy” system provides greater flexibility for freight delivery across diverse scenarios, reinforcing the notion that human oversight remains beneficial, even in advanced autonomous systems.