TuSimple

TuSimple is a company that develops autonomous driving technology for long-haul heavy-duty trucks. Founded in 2015, the company's core product is a Level 4 autonomous driving system designed to enable trucks to operate without human drivers in certain conditions. TuSimple's technology utilizes a combination of cameras, lidar sensors, and artificial intelligence software to navigate roadways and make driving decisions. The company claims its system can see up to 1,000 meters ahead, which allows for improved fuel efficiency and safety compared to human-driven trucks.

TuSimple has conducted extensive testing of its autonomous trucks on public roads, primarily in Arizona and Texas. In February 2022, the company reported completing over 550 miles of fully driverless truck operation on public roads without a human driver present. TuSimple has also run pilot programs hauling freight for companies like UPS and the US Postal Service to demonstrate its technology's commercial viability. The company's stated goal was to remove human drivers entirely from its trucks by the end of 2020, though this timeline was not achieved.

However, TuSimple has faced significant challenges in recent years. In April 2022, one of the company's trucks was involved in an accident, leading to investigations by federal regulators. TuSimple also lost a key partnership with truck manufacturer Navistar in December 2022 to co-develop autonomous trucks. Amid mounting financial pressures and regulatory scrutiny, TuSimple announced in December 2023 that it was shutting down its US operations, laying off 75% of its US workforce, and shifting its focus to the Asia-Pacific region. This marked a dramatic reversal for a company that was once valued at USD 8.5 billion when it went public in 2021.

Key customers and partnerships

TuSimple established partnerships with several major companies to test and develop its autonomous trucking technology. UPS was an early investor in TuSimple and expanded a pilot program with the company in March 2020 to 20 autonomous trips per week between Arizona and Texas. TuSimple also conducted pilot programs with the US Postal Service, food distributor McLane Co., and railroad company Union Pacific.

In July 2020, TuSimple announced the launch of its Autonomous Freight Network, partnering with UPS, US Xpress, Penske Truck Leasing and others to create an ecosystem for autonomous trucking operations. Additionally, TuSimple formed a partnership with Goodyear in November 2020 to provide tires and related services for its autonomous trucks.