Kodiak AI On Track for Year-End Driverless Long-Haul Launch as Autonomy Readiness Measure Jumps to 96%

Kodiak AI (KDK) shares rose 5.3% after Oppenheimer initiated coverage with an outperform rating, citing its potential in autonomous trucking. The company reported Q2 revenue of $3.5M, a net loss of $37.7M, and 40,000 paid driverless hours. Analysts see 178% upside, but note financing risks. Tesla (TSLA) also plans to enter the market with its Semi truck, targeting autonomous capabilities by 2024.

Kodiak AI (Nasdaq: KDK) said it received a California DMV drivered testing permit under the state’s expanded Autonomous Vehicle Tester program. The permit, approved Aug. 13, 2026, allows Kodiak to test heavy-duty autonomous trucks on public roads with a safety driver in the cab. The DMV’s phased approach moves from drivered testing to driver-out testing and deployment.

Kodiak AI, Inc. (KDK) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Results of Operations and Financial Condition. Kodiak AI Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results and Advances Toward Long-Haul Driverless Launch • Kodiak deployed seven additional driverless trucks during Q2, bringing the customer-owned fleet to 35 vehicles at quarter-end • Kodiak Driver-powered trucks surpassed 40,000 Cumulative

Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia are expanding their partnership to develop next-gen autonomous driving systems, combining Mercedes' MB.OS with Nvidia's Hyperion, Alpamayo Stack, and Halos. They aim for Level 4 autonomy and robo-limousines, with features expected in select German cities by late 2026. The collaboration focuses on safety, AI, and OTA updates, but specific details on launch timing, models, and investments were not disclosed.

DoorDash received FAA Part 135 air carrier certification on July 29, 2026, allowing it to operate drone deliveries. The company built its own drones, aiming to own delivery infrastructure. DoorDash plans to start commercial deliveries in fall 2026, targeting orders within three to five miles. The certification is a step, but operational approvals are still needed.

Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA) announced 20 abstracts featuring its Signatera Genome technology will be presented at the 2026 ESMO Congress. The technology demonstrated an industry-leading analytical limit of detection (LOD95) below 1 part per million. Key findings include: In the SAGITTARIUS colon cancer trial, Signatera results changed planned treatment for 1 in 3 patients, with 87% of changes being treatment de-escalation.