After an image was posted on Reddit, Amazon has confirmed that it is using trucks equipped with self-driving technology to haul freight on I-10.
Earlier this week, a Reddit user raised eyebrows by sharing a photo of a truck that was captured on I-10. In the photo, you can see an Amazon trailer being hauled by a truck with the autonomous truck maker Embark’s logo.
Saw this on the I-10 today. Is amazon making driverless trucks? from r/SelfDrivingCars
After the image started gaining traction on social media, CNBC was able to confirm that Amazon is indeed working with Embark to haul freight using autonomous driving technology along the I-10 corridor.
However, neither Amazon or Embark were willing to go into much detail about the nature of their partnership.
Company CEO Alex Rodrigues offered only cryptic remarks about the partnership: “Embark moves freight for a number of major companies on the I-10, however we cannot discuss any company specifically as our relationships are confidential.”
An Amazon spokesperson said, “We are always innovating and working with innovative companies to improve the customer experience and safety of our team. We think successful over-the-road autonomy will create safer roadways and a better work environment for drivers on long-haul runs.”
Rather than build their own trucks, Embark retrofits existing Peterbilts with autonomous driving technology. For now, their self-driving trucks typically operate with a driver inside the cab.