Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI received California DMV permits for heavy-duty autonomous truck testing. The approval allows driverless-capable vehicles on public highways within a major logistics hub.
Updated state regulations recently lifted a ban on testing vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds. Current permits require a human safety operator to remain present in the vehicle during all tests.
The move marks a return to California for Aurora, which previously concentrated commercial operations in Texas. The pre-revenue autonomous trucking sector remains dependent on regulatory milestones to support high capital expenditures and fleet scaling.