Kodiak AI, a U.S.-based company specializing in autonomous driving technology for freight trucks, announced that it expects to begin commercial long-haul driverless operations in the second half of 2026. The announcement coincided with the release of its third-quarter results and its debut as a publicly traded company on the Nasdaq under the symbol KDK, following its merger with Ares Acquisition Corporation II.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Kodiak currently operates across major freight corridors in the southern United States—particularly in Texas, where it maintains a logistics hub and test track. From there, the company runs regular routes connecting Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Oklahoma, positioning the region as one of the most active ecosystems for real-world autonomous-truck validation.

The company’s CEO said this quarter marks an “exciting milestone,” emphasizing that its technological and financial progress brings it closer to offering safe, scalable autonomous freight transport. The company’s AI-powered Kodiak Driver system is designed to operate reliably on high-demand highways, especially on long and repetitive routes where autonomy can significantly improve efficiency.

During the quarter, Kodiak doubled its active autonomous fleet, growing from five to 10 fully driverless trucks currently operating with Atlas Energy Solutions in Texas. The company plans to fulfill an initial commitment of 100 driverless trucks dedicated to high-volume industrial freight operations.

Kodiak reported more than 5,200 hours of paid autonomous operations, over 3 million driverless miles, and more than 10,000 completed deliveries. The company also received the highest rating in an independent safety assessment conducted by Nauto.

On the technology front, Kodiak expanded partnerships with ZF and NXP, integrated advanced redundant steering systems, and unveiled new generative-AI capabilities for identifying complex roadway scenarios. Manufacturing partner Roush Industries also completed the first truck designed exclusively for autonomous operation.

With $146.2 million in cash on hand, Kodiak is focused on scaling operations, advancing its technology, and moving toward a profitable business model. With a strong presence in the Texas corridor, the company is positioning itself as one of the leading players in the future of autonomous freight transportation in the United States.