The transportation industry is undergoing one of its most profound transformations in history. Pressure on supply chains, rising logistics costs, and driver shortages have paved the way for a new paradigm: autonomous trucks. In this context, NXP Semiconductors and Kodiak Robotics have joined forces to design the next generation of secure and scalable computing platforms aimed at making driverless freight transportation a reality.
Announced in 2025, this collaboration represents a significant technological leap. While Kodiak brings its experience in real-world operations, AI-powered software, and modular hardware engineered for road deployment, NXP contributes its high-performance automotive technology and safety certification designed to meet the industry’s stringent standards.
The promise of autonomous trucks is clear. Road freight is vital to the global economy, yet it faces increasing challenges: a shortage of qualified drivers, long working hours, rising operational costs, and the demand for continuous 24/7 deliveries. Autonomous trucks emerge as a solution to these tensions.
The potential benefits include enhancing operational efficiency, reducing fatigue-related accidents, lowering logistics costs, and enabling more sustainable transportation. It’s no coincidence that major truck manufacturers, fleet operators, and technology developers are accelerating pilot programs and strategic alliances.
Kodiak Robotics has established itself as a leading player in this field. Its approach revolves around an ecosystem concept, integrating components from various providers to develop its own “Kodiak Driver”: a virtual driver combining cutting-edge AI software with modular, vehicle-agnostic hardware.
The key is that this system does not depend on a specific truck model. It can be integrated into different platforms, facilitating adoption across diverse fleets and reducing deployment times.
NXP’s contribution lies in providing the technological muscle necessary to ensure system safety and reliability. Its S32G3 processors and S32K3 microcontrollers, both certified under ISO 26262 up to ASIL D (the highest level in automotive safety), enable Kodiak’s systems to perform critical tasks with redundancy and fault tolerance.
This translates into capabilities such as:
- Precise control of brakes, steering, and accelerator
- Reliable energy management and electrical distribution
- Secure communication interfaces (CAN, Ethernet/TSN, I2C, SPI, UART)
- Reduced subsystem integration complexity
Additionally, NXP has supplied Kodiak with pre-production samples, reference designs, development kits, and specialized technical support, accelerating validation and integration timelines.
Thanks to this collaboration, Kodiak has achieved a historic milestone: deploying the first semi-trailers operated by clients and driven autonomously on real routes. These are no longer experimental tests but vehicles transporting goods without human drivers at the wheel, under real traffic conditions.
The system is designed for scalability: the same hardware and software platform can adapt to multiple truck models, facilitating large-scale deployment without costly redesigns.
Building trust and safety are fundamental challenges for autonomous transportation. To achieve full autonomy, systems must demonstrate not only efficiency but also safety levels higher than human drivers.
NXP and Kodiak have committed from the outset to a focus on functional safety and redundancy—key elements for convincing governments, insurers, and companies that autonomous transport is viable.
Despite notable advances, significant hurdles remain:
- Regulatory challenges: each country has its own rules governing autonomous driving.
- Infrastructure gaps: current road connectivity and digital systems are not yet fully prepared.
- Social acceptance: many drivers and citizens are wary of large trucks traveling without a human at the wheel.
The future of logistics looks to be fundamentally reshaped by this partnership. If autonomous trucks become mainstream, they could revolutionize global logistics: enabling 24/7 routes, fewer disruptions, lower operating costs, and improved road safety.
Alongside these technological shifts, new careers will emerge in autonomous systems maintenance, remote fleet supervision, and the development of smart infrastructure to complement this ecosystem.
This partnership not only signifies a technological leap but also marks a shift in the economic model of transportation. Autonomous trucks, if successful, could drastically change the landscape of global logistics.
FAQs:
What do NXP and Kodiak contribute to the development of autonomous trucks?
Kodiak develops AI software and the modular hardware platform, while NXP supplies automotive-grade processors and microcontrollers certified for safety, ensuring reliable real-time operation.
Are autonomous trucks already operating on real routes?
Yes. Kodiak has deployed semi-trailers driven autonomously in commercial operations with clients.
Are autonomous trucks safe?
Their systems incorporate redundancy, fault tolerance, and ISO 26262 safety certifications (ASIL D), designed to provide a safety level surpassing that of human drivers in critical tasks.
What societal benefits could autonomous transportation bring?
Reduced fatigue-related accidents, enhanced logistics efficiency, lower costs, continuous 24/7 operation, and decreased environmental impact through optimized routes and energy use.
via: NXP