Loblaw is rolling out an additional 50 autonomous trucks built by Gatik to serve regional distribution networks in the Toronto area.
The multi-year deal begins with the deployment of 20 autonomous trucks equipped with Gatik’s next-generation sensor suite, which will be on the road by the end of this year. Another 30 trucks will be deployed by the end of 2026, Gatik said in a release.
The Canadian autonomous truck maker says this represents the largest planned rollout of autonomous trucks in North America. Initially, the trucks will operate with safety drivers on board, before transitioning to freight-only (driverless) operations serving more than 300 stores.
“This is a transformational moment, not just for Gatik and Loblaw, but for the autonomous trucking sector globally,” said Gautam Narang, CEO and co-founder of Gatik.
“It’s the first time a major retailer has transitioned from pilot to commercial scale with autonomous trucks, directly addressing Canada’s growing driver shortage, delivering the true benefits of autonomous logistics — reliability, safety and scalability — to millions of Canadians.”
“This expanded partnership with and investment in Gatik represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation and supply chain sustainability,” added Rob Wiebe, chief administrator of Loblaw Companies. “Autonomous logistics will enable us to move more orders more frequently for our customers. We are excited to continue leading the way nationally in retail distribution with Gatik’s groundbreaking technology, which has already been proven across our operations.”
The trucks will be equipped with the Gatik Driver artificial intelligence-powered system. Some of the trucks will support refrigerated loads.
Gatik and Loblaw have worked with Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation through the Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle pilot program launched Aug. 1. The program allows for the use of Gatik’s Classes 6 and 7 autonomous trucks on all surface streets and highways in the province.
