KATHMANDU: PepsiCo has started using autonomous trucks to transport its products in the United States. The company is deploying driverless box trucks developed by Gatik AI for logistics operations.
The Isuzu-branded trucks are currently operating in Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas. These vehicles are used to move goods between manufacturing plants, warehouses, and retail locations.
PepsiCo and Gatik have entered a multi-year partnership to integrate autonomous freight into the company’s supply chain. According to Gatik, this marks one of the largest commercial deployments of driverless delivery trucks.
At present, 41 autonomous trucks are in operation. Most of them are running in Arizona, with additional units in Texas and Arkansas. The company plans to expand the fleet in the coming months.
These trucks are mainly used on fixed and repeatable routes. This allows the system to improve performance over time through data learning. The routes typically involve fewer stops, making them suitable for autonomous driving.
Some trucks deliver goods from factories to warehouses. Others operate between warehouses and stores. In store deliveries, staff are present to receive and unload the cargo.
The trucks are powered by internal combustion engines. They are equipped with multiple cameras, along with radar and lidar sensors. The cabin retains standard controls but also includes multiple displays for monitoring the system.
According to Gatik, the autonomous fleet has achieved over 98 percent on-time delivery performance. The system is designed to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on human drivers, especially during peak demand periods.
