Related: Commentary — Autonomous by Retrofit
Uber Buys Autonomous Truck Startup Otto
Uber is upping its efforts to expand from the ride-sharing market to commercial freight movement by acquiring Otto, the technology startup that’s developing an aftermarket version of autonomous technology for Class 8 trucks.

Photo: Otto

Uber is upping its efforts to expand from the ride-sharing market to commercial freight movement by acquiring Otto, the technology startup that’s developing an aftermarket version of autonomous technology for Class 8 trucks.
Anthony Levandowski, who left Google's self-driving cars project to found Otto with other former Google employees, will lead Uber’s self-driving efforts and report directly to Travis Kalanick, Uber CEO and co-founder.
Otto is already road testing a “suite” of sensors, software, and truck enhancements that could be quickly fitted on existing trucks.
Otto, in its blog, said, “Together with Uber, we will create the future of commercial transportation: first, self-driving trucks that provide drivers unprecedented levels of safety; and second, a platform that matches truck drivers with the right load wherever they are."
“By combining these two technologies, we can create a freight network that is constantly learning and improving," Otto explained. "Each truck that joins the network can provide valuable information that makes all other trucks safer and more efficient. In turn, drivers get paid more and shippers get a more reliable service. Self-driving trucks together with a marketplace create a virtuous cycle where everyone benefits.”
Uber's Kalanick called Otto plus Uber “a dream team. Anthony is one of the world’s leading autonomous engineers: his first invention, a self-driving motorcycle called Ghostrider, is now in the Smithsonian. Just as important, Anthony is a prolific entrepreneur with a real sense of urgency," he said in a post on Uber’s website.
The announcement comes only a month after Tesla founder Elon Musk revealed a “master plan” that includes electric heavy-duty trucks that will feature autonomous driving technology.
Investors and technology watchers praised the move on Twitter:
Holy hell. Shocked. Honestly probably the best M&A move Uber has made. Congrats to the @ottodrives squad. https://t.co/0wUu8DQ3bA
— Michael Dempsey (@mhdempsey) August 18, 2016
The Otto team is brilliant, & their stuff was working real world. @Uber just got substantially move valuable https://t.co/3zGptFmLsV
— Matthew Ocko (@mattocko) August 18, 2016
@Uber buys #Otto for ~$680m (1% of Uber) Another world-shaking acquisition in the AI world. https://t.co/TRuC4KKQuk
— Melody Li (@melopeach) August 18, 2016
More Equipment
Behind the Wheel of the New Mack Anthem [Video]
HDT takes the new Mack Anthem around Mack’s Pennsylvania test track to see how its driver-focused design, technology, visibility and handling perform from behind the wheel.
Read More →
DTNA Plans New U.S. Truck Plant as Manufacturing Footprint Shifts
Daimler Truck North America is evaluating sites for a new assembly plant expected to open in 2029 while winding down operations at its longtime Portland manufacturing facility.
Read More →
Great Dane Flatbed Trailer Offers Light Weight and Strength
Freedom Ultra is designed for a wide range of open-deck applications, including building materials, lumber, machinery, steel products, industrial freight, and coil hauling.
Read More →
What It's Like Inside this Custom 2025 Peterbilt 589?
Take a driver's-eye tour of this customized 2025 Peterbilt 589 in this video, as longtime driver Ingrid Brown explains its features, compares it to previous models, and shares plenty of personality along the way.
Read More →Drivers Put Western Star Trucks to the Test at Star Nation Experience
Watch to get an inside look at the Western Star trucks, technology, and community behind the Star Nation Experience 2026!
Read More →
Atlas Expands Kodiak Driverless Truck Fleet in Permian Basin
Atlas Energy Solutions is expanding autonomous frac sand hauling in the Permian Basin with a second load-out location and plans for 100 driverless trucks by mid-2027.
Read More →
Putting Mack’s Command Steer to the Test
A test drive of Mack’s Command Steer active steering system evaluates how it can make truck driving easier and less tiring.
Read More →
Mack, Volvo Expand DEF Derate Software Updates
The updated software gives Mack and Volvo truck owners more time to address DEF-related issues before the engine derates or the vehicle goes into reduced-speed inducement, following new EPA guidance.
Read More →
Rush, MCT Team Up to Grow Refrigeration Service Network
The joint venture will operate MCT's network of Carrier Transicold dealerships and mobile service locations, with the companies promising greater service capacity and uptime for refrigerated fleets.
Read More →
Cummins Adjusts 2027 Engine Rollout After EPA Proposal
The engine maker will gradually introduce its new Model Year 2027 diesel engines while continuing to offer current models during the transition, citing the EPA's proposed emissions rule changes.
Read More →
