History of Aurora
Aurora Innovation, founded in 2017 by Chris Urmson, Sterling Anderson, and Drew Bagnell, is a leading autonomous vehicle technology company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The founders brought extensive experience from their previous roles at Google, Tesla, and Uber, aiming to revolutionize transportation through self-driving technology.
In its early years, Aurora focused on developing the Aurora Driver, a comprehensive autonomous driving platform integrating hardware, software, and data services. The company formed strategic partnerships with automotive manufacturers like Volkswagen and Hyundai to advance self-driving technology for commercial vehicles. By 2018, Aurora had begun testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads, marking significant progress in real-world applications.
Expanding its operations, Aurora acquired Uber's Advanced Technologies Group in December 2020, strengthening its capabilities in autonomous driving. The company also partnered with Paccar to develop driverless trucks, integrating its technology into models like the Peterbilt 579 and Kenworth T680 semi-trucks. By 2022, Aurora had launched pilot programs with logistics companies such as FedEx, autonomously hauling freight on routes between Dallas and Houston, demonstrating the practical applications of its technology in the freight industry.
As of 2023, Aurora continues to advance autonomous freight solutions, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in the transportation sector. The company's ongoing collaborations and technological developments position it as a key player in the future of autonomous freight transportation.