Pronto Partners with Heidelberg Materials to Advance Off-Road Autonomy

San Francisco-based startup Pronto, co-founded by former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski, is making strides in the self-driving technology sector, particularly for haulage trucks and off-road vehicles. The company has recently announced an extended partnership with Heidelberg Materials North America, a leading producer of building materials and cement. This collaboration follows a successful pilot program at the Bridgeport Quarry in Texas, where Pronto's autonomous technology was tested. Under the new agreement, Pronto's advanced self-driving system will be integrated into Komatsu haulage trucks, enabling them to operate autonomously at construction and mining sites. The 30-person startup utilizes cutting-edge sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and safety of haulage operations. Levandowski emphasized the transformative potential of autonomous vehicle technology, particularly in applications where immediate market needs align with technological readiness. Pronto's pivot to off-road autonomy in 2019 was driven by the realization that on-road autonomy would not meet their business timeline. Levandowski, who previously co-founded a mobile mapping startup and contributed to Google’s Street View, believes that off-road applications represent a critical and often overlooked area in the development of autonomous technology. He asserts that the current market demands solutions for off-road operations, making it a compelling focus for Pronto's future endeavors.