Automated trucking technology developer Ike has announced its “Powered by Ike” customer program.

The program includes partnerships with logistics companies Ryder System Inc., DHL, and NFI, as these companies’ fleets will be among the first to deploy "level 4" automated trucks on highways. 

As part of the multi-year Powered by Ike program, these fleets have collectively reserved the first 1,000 Class 8 tractors powered by Ike's technology. Leading up to the launch of a commercial technology, Ike and its fleet customers are working together to provide feedback, perform testing, and prepare to launch and scale up operations.

“We are focused on building technology that will help make trucking safer and more productive,” says Alden Woodrow, CEO and co-founder of Ike.

“We want to put all our effort behind systems engineering, computer vision, and validation. Working with these sophisticated fleet partners allows us to plug Ike's automation solution into huge existing logistics networks that already know how to move goods efficiently. Our skill sets are complementary, and we think we can make the most progress by working together.”

Founded in 2018 by veterans of Google, Apple, and Uber, Ike is building technology to automate the safe and reliable transportation of freight. Ike envisions automated trucks driving on the highway, and handing off loads to truckers in manually-driven trucks for the journey to and from the interstate.

This approach, according to Ike, “massively simplifies” the technical challenge of automation, and creates new opportunities for truck drivers to use their skills and expertise where it matters most, while increasing fleet utilization to help Ike's customers improve their operating margins.

Instead of scaling up its own fleet of trucks, Ike is using a software subscription model to put technology directly into the hands of existing fleet operators. After buying vehicles from OEM truck manufacturers with Ike's system of hardware and software already installed, Ike’s fleet customers will pay Ike an annual subscription fee.

Ike says that trucks powered by its technology will be capable of operating in automated driving mode on designated freight routes. Ike adds that it plans for the subscription to include a variety of support services, such as integration into digital tools to dispatch and manage the automated trucks, maintenance of new equipment, roadside support, and access for the physical handoff of freight to truckers.