Autonomous Semi-Truck Completes Trip from California to Florida

Embark doesn’t manufacture its own vehicles, but instead created a self-driving system, comprised of five cameras, three long-range radars and at least two lidars (light detection and ranging sensors) that can be integrated into commercial semi-trucks. According to co-founder and CEO Alex Rodrigues, Embark has already integrated its self-driving systems into 5 trucks. Embark plans to acquire 40 more semis within the year for further testing.

Unlike other tech ventures working on self-driving vehicles which typically pre-map routes, Embark uses machine learning software and data from the sensors on-board its trucks to map its surroundings in real-time and avoid obstacles.

In its test drive, the Embark truck operated with professional safety drivers inside, ready to take over the wheel if needed. In the long-term, the start-up aims to produce autonomous trucks that can drive themselves on freeways, but would require a human to get on and off the exits, and to navigate around cities or small towns.

This concept would make it possible for truckers to keep their jobs but cover long routes and make more deliveries in less time, Rodrigues said.

Founded in 2016, Embark has raised $17.2 million in venture funding.