IKEA and Kodiak to launch driverless freight in Texas by 2026

IKEA and technology firm Kodiak are preparing to launch driverless freight operations by the end of 2026. This transition follows a four-year pilot program during which Kodiak transported over 1,300 loads and logged more than 750,000 miles with a safety observer on board.

The autonomous service will focus on middle-mile logistics in Texas, specifically on a route connecting an IKEA distribution center in Baytown to a retail store in Frisco. The initial driverless leg is expected to cover approximately 352 kilometers (219 miles) along Interstate 45 between the Houston and Dallas areas.

Implementation depends on Kodiak completing its highway safety case to prove its 'Kodiak Driver' system can operate safely without human intervention. The companies noted that shifting long-haul tasks to autonomous vehicles could improve driver working conditions by allowing human drivers to focus on local routes and spend more time at home.