Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New Autonomous Startups Have Different Takes on Self-Driving Tech

Startup companies Starsky Robotics and Drive.ai are the two latest additions to the burgeoning autonomous vehicle market, each offers a unique take on self-driving technology.

by Staff
March 3, 2017
New Autonomous Startups Have Different Takes on Self-Driving Tech

Screenshot via Starksy Robotics YouTube Video

2 min to read


Screenshot via Starksy Robotics YouTube Video

Startup companies Starsky Robotics and Drive.ai are the two latest additions to the burgeoning autonomous vehicle market.

Ad Loading...

Hot on the heels of last week’s introduction of the autonomous vehicle startup Embark, Starsky and Drive.ai each offer a slightly different take on self-driving technology.

Ad Loading...

Starsky is aiming to bring an autonomous truck to market as soon as possible, but it is also testing a method in which a driver would remotely control a vehicle once it is done driving on the highway. That would tie a single driver to several trucks, when needed. The company said that it has already used a truck with its autonomous technology to make a 140-mile delivery in the real world, according to a TechCrunch report.

Drive.ai is trying to reimagine autonomous technology by creating a system that is able to learn from its surroundings and adapt to different situations, the company detailed in a blog post. While its technology makes use of cameras and sensors, Drive.ai said that the best way to create a safe self-driving vehicle is to use software that can learn experience in the same way that voice assistants from Google and Apple learn from listening to humans.

Refelcting how the field of players in autonomous vehicles technology is growing, these two companies have received millions of dollars in investments so far.

Starsky received $3.75 million in funding and Drive.ai received $12 million in a round of funding last year.

More Equipment

New Kenworth vocational front frame options.
Equipmentby News/Media ReleaseApril 14, 2026

Kenworth Announces Reinforced Front Frame Option for T880 and T880S Models

Kenworth has released a factory-installed reinforced front frame option for T880 models, designed to simplify upfits, cut costs, and speed time to service.

Read More →
Stoughton PureBlue reefer trailer.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 13, 2026

Stoughton Rolls Out PureBlue Reefer Trailer, Raises Safety Bar With 40-mph Rear Impact Guard

Stoughton’s new refrigerated trailer platform delivers double-digit efficiency gains while a next-generation rear impact guard exceeds current crash standards.

Read More →
Youtube thumbnail featuring man in Big-Lebowski-inspired sweater
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]

Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Maxiloda glide double-decking system inside trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 13, 2026

How Maxiloda’s Glide System Unlocks Hidden Trailer Capacity

By turning unused vertical space into usable capacity, Maxiloda’s Glide system helps fleets move more freight per trip while reducing loading risks and equipment damage.

Read More →
Dual truck tires with black aerodynamic wheel cover and a man bending down getting ready to take one off
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeApril 10, 2026

Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers

Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.

Read More →
Kenworth TourAmerica W900L.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 9, 2026

Kenworth Revives Iconic 'TourAmerica' Paint Scheme

Kenworth’s new, limited-edition scheme celebrates trucking heritage while supporting a nationwide mobile museum tour.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
International autonomous truck.
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

Ryder Joins International’s Autonomous Truck Pilot on Texas Freight Lane

Ryder and International take autonomous trucking out of the lab and onto a live, 600-mile Texas freight lane.

Read More →
Volvo NRV Truck Manufacturing Plant
Equipmentby Jack RobertsApril 8, 2026

FTR: Class 8 Orders Stay Hot in March Despite Monthly Dip

Fuel prices aside, Class 8 demand remains elevated as freight fundamentals improve and fleets regain confidence in long-term investments.

Read More →
Photo of back of aluminum flatbed trailer on show floor
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine Expands Flatbed Lineup with New Fleet-Focused Models, Eyes 2027 Launch

Fontaine is broadening its flatbed lineup with new models aimed at fleets, including a lightweight aluminum trailer expected in 2027 that emphasizes durability, repairability, and lower cost.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
YouTube thumbnail with Fontaine Force flatbed trailer
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeApril 2, 2026

Fontaine's Fleet-Focused Force Flatbed Prototype [Watch]

A new prototype from Fontaine Trailer focuses on what fleets say they need most: easier repairs, lower maintenance costs, and practical, service-friendly design.

Read More →