Photo: Pronto
Pronto is selling its software for $4,999 on its web site. It requires a $299 down payment.
Pronto is selling its software for $4,999 on its web site. It requires a $299 down payment.
Pronto is selling its software for $4,999 on its web site. It requires a $299 down payment.
Pronto is selling its software for $4,999 on its web site. It requires a $299 down payment.
Pronto is selling its software for $4,999 on its web site. It requires a $299 down payment.

Start-up Pronto says Level 2 automated system will be available in 2019

Feb. 28, 2019
Company's co-founders include Anthony Levandowski, previously of Otto and Waymo

Pronto.ai, a new company co-founded by the creator of Otto, plans to make its “Copilot” Level 2 automated software and driver monitoring system available to fleets later this year. 

Pronto first burst on the scene in December after Anthony Levandowski posted a video of an autonomous, cross-country trip he took in a Toyota Prius. After two failed attempts, he traveled from San Francisco to New York, taking control only to refuel or stop the car.

Levandowski is a veteran of the autonomous vehicle space, having first gained notoriety for building a driverless motorcycle. He worked on Google’s self-driving car project, known as Waymo, and then founded Otto, the company acquired by Uber famous for its autonomous beer delivery in Colorado.

However, Levandowski was later fired after begin accused in a lawsuit of stealing Waymo’s self-driving secrets.

Ognen Stojanovski, co-founder and CEO of Pronto, confirmed to Fleet Owner the company's software can be pre-ordered for $4,999. The Level 2 system can control acceleration, braking, and steering. Stojanovski also suggested the company is discussing partnerships with original equipment manufacturers. 

Pronto’s system relies on a 360-degree video coverage of the outside of the vehicle, and has another camera focused on the driver. Stojanovski emphasized the software is also an in-cab monitoring system, ensuring the driver does not misuse the system and remains aware of his or her surroundings, even when the system is engaged.

In a recent blog post, Levandowski said the self-driving industry has “been focused on achieving the dream of fully-autonomous driving straight from manual vehicle operation, and it has chased this false dream with crutch technologies,” such as Lidar and high-definition maps.

He said Pronto’s software is a step toward “real autonomous vehicles solving real problems for real people, while actually improving safety on real roads.”

Current available software is not good enough to predict the future, he said, and is “nowhere close to matching the instincts of human drivers, which is the single most important factor in road safety,” he added.

During a 2016 panel discussion shortly before Otto's autonomous beer delivery, Levandowski shared a vision of a future truck with no cab, and discussed just how much money could be saved by eliminating drivers. 

Stojanovski said the Pronto’s vision is different than what Levandowski presented with Otto, but is still extremely “ambitious.” The image of a truck without a driver or cab was meant to be provocative, and sparked a “serious conversation” that is resulting in Pronto being able to offer “something of commercial value this year.”

He also believes it will be a product that fleets and drivers are ready to accept -  and that regulators better understand - than just a few years ago.

About the Author

Neil Abt

Neil Abt, editorial director at Fleet Owner, is a veteran journalist with over 20 years of reporting experience, including 15 years spent covering the trucking industry. A graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., he began his career covering sports for The Washington Post newspaper, followed by a position in the newsroom of America Online (AOL) and then both reporting and leadership roles at Transport Topics. Abt is based out of Portland, Oregon.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!