Waabi Scales Autonomous Driving Beyond Highways with AI-Powered Trucks

Waabi's simulation-first approach aims to make autonomous trucking and robotaxis a reality.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 12:12pm

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Waabi Innovation Inc., founded by computer scientist Raquel Urtasun, is taking a novel approach to autonomous vehicle technology. Unlike early 'AV 1.0' systems that relied heavily on hand-engineered rules, Waabi is focused on developing AI models capable of reasoning and generalization - a crucial step towards scalable autonomy. The company is currently testing its technology on cargo routes between Dallas and Houston, utilizing retrofitted Peterbilt semis. A key differentiator is Waabi's emphasis on simulation, using its 'Waabi World' platform to rigorously test and validate AI models. Waabi has also secured $750 million in funding to accelerate commercial development in autonomous trucking and expand into the robotaxi space, with plans to deploy 25,000 autonomous taxis through Uber's ride-hailing service.

Why it matters

Waabi's focus on 'verifiable AI' and a redundant sensor suite represents a shift towards greater safety and transparency in autonomous vehicle development. This is crucial for regulatory approval and public trust as the industry moves towards level 4 autonomy. Additionally, Waabi's approach aims to address concerns around job displacement in the trucking industry, arguing that the transition will be gradual and could ultimately create more jobs than it eliminates.

The details

Waabi is currently testing its technology on geofenced cargo routes between Dallas and Houston, utilizing retrofitted Peterbilt semis with a human safety observer. The company is also integrating its technology with Volvo's VNL Autonomous truck, leveraging Nvidia's Drive AGX Thor AI platform. Waabi's simulation-first approach, centered around its 'Waabi World' platform, allows for billions of simulated scenarios to accelerate development and reduce the need for extensive real-world testing.

  • Waabi secured $750 million in funding in January 2026.
  • Waabi plans to deploy at least 25,000 autonomous taxis through Uber's ride-hailing service.

The players

Waabi Innovation Inc.

An autonomous vehicle technology company founded by computer scientist Raquel Urtasun, focused on developing AI systems capable of reasoning and generalization for scalable autonomy.

Raquel Urtasun

A Spanish-Canadian computer scientist and professor at the University of Toronto, who is the founder and CEO of Waabi Innovation Inc.

Uber

A ride-hailing service that has invested $250 million in Waabi to accelerate the development of autonomous taxis.

Nvidia

A technology company that provides the Drive AGX Thor AI platform used by Waabi in its autonomous truck integration with Volvo.

Volvo

A Swedish automotive manufacturer that is collaborating with Waabi on the integration of Waabi's autonomous driving technology into Volvo's VNL Autonomous truck.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Waabi's focus on 'verifiable AI' and a redundant sensor suite represents a shift towards greater safety and transparency in autonomous vehicle development, which is crucial for regulatory approval and public trust as the industry moves towards level 4 autonomy. Additionally, Waabi's approach aims to address concerns around job displacement in the trucking industry, arguing that the transition will be gradual and could ultimately create more jobs than it eliminates.