California's first self-driving trucks are already testing
2026-08-17
The Next Web
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California has granted Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI permits to test autonomous heavy-duty trucks on public roads, with safety drivers required. Testing began around Mountain View. The move follows regulatory changes and faces legal challenges from unions citing safety and economic risks, though no incidents have occurred yet.[AI generated]
Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?
The article involves AI systems (autonomous trucks) being tested on public roads, which fits the definition of AI systems. The event stems from the use of these AI systems in real-world testing. However, there is no indication that any injury, property damage, rights violation, or other harm has occurred so far. The legal challenge and concerns about safety and economic impact suggest plausible future harm, but no incident has materialized. Therefore, this event qualifies as an AI Hazard because the development and use of autonomous trucks could plausibly lead to harm, but no harm has yet been realized.[AI generated]