Waabi Accelerates Toward Driverless Trucking

Toronto-based startup Waabi is shifting gears from research and development to commercialization, as founder Raquel Urtasun aims to bring autonomous trucking to market by the end of 2025.

Waabi’s “provably safe” technology addresses safety concerns that have historically slowed the rollout of self-driving vehicles. Its mixed-reality testing platform allows AI driver systems to train off-road in an infinite number of high-risk scenarios. The company claims its “digital twin” technology can replicate real-world environments with 99% accuracy, enabling Waabi to scale faster and more safely than competitors.

To support its growth strategy, Waabi recently appointed Lior Ron, founder of Uber Freight, as Chief Operating Officer. His arrival adds another former Uber leader to the company’s executive team and strengthens Waabi’s ties to the rideshare giant. Uber previously co-led Waabi’s C$275-million Series B funding round and partnered with the company to integrate into Uber Freight’s logistics platform.

Trucks powered by Waabi are already running routes between Dallas and Houston, with plans to expand across the U.S. and into international markets. While Waabi trucks currently operate with safety drivers on board, the company expects to go fully driverless before the end of 2025. To accelerate a Canadian launch, Ms. Urtasun has urged Canadian policymakers to establish a regulatory framework that supports the deployment of AI-powered technologies, such as self-driving vehicles.

With high-profile hires, fresh funding, and partnerships that include Uber Freight and Volvo, Waabi is positioning itself as a serious contender to revolutionize the trucking industry, address labour shortages, and reshape global supply chains.