Kodiak AI Drives Toward Trucking Autonomy

Kodiak AI Drives Toward Trucking Autonomy

From Talking Transports by Bloomberg

April 14, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

Don Burnette discusses the advancements and challenges in autonomous trucking with Lee Klaskow.

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. Burnette outlines Kodiak’s software-first approach, which favors real-time AI perception over rigid mapping, and highlights cost advantages from 24/7 utilization and lower labor dependence. He also addresses regulatory misconceptions, safety-case development and what is needed to accelerate adoption. The discussion also goes beyond trucking to explore a range of applications. Burnette reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a founder. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Lee Klaskow

Guest: Don Burnette

Topics covered

  • autonomous trucking
  • AI technology
  • commercialization
  • driverless trucks
  • regulatory challenges
  • founder experiences

Keywords

  • autonomous trucking
  • Kodiak AI
  • driverless technology
  • AI perception
  • long-haul expansion
  • safety validation
  • regulatory misconceptions

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kodiak AI, Bloomberg Intelligence

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