Kodiak AI begins autonomous logging pilot with West Fraser in Canada

Kodiak AI Inc. (NASDAQ: KDK) announced a pilot program with West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. to test autonomous trucking technology for log-hauling operations in Alberta, Canada, according to a company statement.

The pilot will involve transporting timber from forest sites to West Fraser processing facilities using Kodiak's AI-powered autonomous driving system. The collaboration represents Kodiak's first international operations and entry into the timber industry.

West Fraser, described as the world's largest manufacturer of wood building materials, operates from Vancouver, British Columbia, with facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. The company aims to address driver shortages and improve safety on remote resource roads through the autonomous technology.

"Innovation that improves safety and sustainability has long been central to how West Fraser operates," said Mark Cookson, Woods Operations Manager at West Fraser. "This pilot gives us the opportunity to test autonomous technology that can help address driver shortages and enhance safety by reducing human exposure to the risks of remote, rough-terrain resource roads."

Kodiak previously deployed autonomous trucks commercially in West Texas's Permian Basin in December 2024, scaling to 20 driverless trucks by the end of 2025. The company's technology is designed to handle industrial environments including dust, vibration, and extreme weather conditions.

FPInnovations, a private research and development center supported by federal and provincial governments and over 50 forest-product companies, facilitated the collaboration between the two companies.

The pilot results will inform potential future commercial deployment of Kodiak Driver-equipped trucks for driverless operations in the logging sector.

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