Kodiak Robotics, a leader in AI-powered autonomous driving technology, has integrated NXP Semiconductors’ automotive processors and in-vehicle networking solutions to strengthen the safety, reliability, and performance of its driverless trucking system.
At the core of this collaboration is the Kodiak Actuation Control Engine (ACE), a custom-built computer that operates independently of the main autonomy system. The ACE ensures that if any safety-critical component fails, the Kodiak Driver—the company’s AI-powered autonomy stack—can execute a safe fallback maneuver and bring the truck to a controlled stop.
NXP’s technology portfolio within the ACE includes:
- S32G3 vehicle network processor – manages redundant actuation of braking, steering, and throttle.
- S32K3 microcontrollers – serve as safety co-processors supporting power distribution, battery charging, and human–machine interface (HMI) safety functions.
- VR5510 multi-channel high-voltage PMIC – delivers high-performance power generation with functional safety monitoring.
- PF53 ASIL-D core supply regulator – optimizes power performance for the S32G3 processor.
The integration of these solutions provides multiple benefits. The Kodiak Driver now monitors over 1,000 safety-critical processes across both the autonomy stack and the truck platform ten times per second, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and vehicle uptime. Additionally, NXP’s ISO 26262 ASIL-D–certified components bring the highest level of functional safety, with an operational failure rate of fewer than ten per billion hours.
Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak, emphasized the importance of safety in scaling autonomous trucking:
“Safety is the foundation of everything we do at Kodiak. By incorporating NXP’s automotive solutions, we can achieve the highest classification of automotive safety more efficiently and at scale.”
Robert Moran, GM and VP of Automotive Processors at NXP, echoed this, highlighting that autonomous systems require uncompromising safety and deterministic real-time performance:
“Our ISO 26262-compliant S32 compute solutions deliver the rigor needed to help companies like Kodiak deploy advanced autonomous capabilities with confidence.”
The collaboration has already enabled Kodiak to deploy the first publicly announced customer-owned and -operated driverless semi-trucks, which are now hauling freight autonomously on commercial routes.
By combining Kodiak’s AI-driven autonomy with NXP’s high-reliability automotive compute solutions, the two companies are building a scalable, safety-critical platform designed to accelerate the future of autonomous freight transport.
