While the industry is primarily characterized by layoffs, the startup Gatik is hiring staff.
The autonomous truck startup gatic plans to double its workforce by the end of the year, management announced. This is done after signing a cooperation agreement with the grocer Kroger Coto order goods within their network in Dallas, State Texas to transport.
Gatik operates conventional midsize trucks with autonomous technology and plans to expand the concept to 15 new US states over the next five years, according to Reuters. The company focuses on short-distance transport.
Though many in the autonomous vehicle industry are cutting or closing staff, Gatik has found a solution. Gatik is limited to routes with relatively low complexity. It delivers goods from larger distribution centers to retail locations for companies such as Walmart and Pitney Bowes. Gatik has transported more than half a million customer orders on its medium-sized box trucks, which do not require human drivers.
Gatik initially postponed its hiring plans last year. Now the startup wants to expand its workforce from currently around 120 people to over 250. Now you want to in the states of Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana profile. Also the Canadian ontario be on screen. Starting next year, other states will be targeted.
This also piqued the interest of Microsoftwho plan to invest more than $10 million in the startup.