Autonomous vehicle technology developer Kodiak Robotics has announced the integration of a range of NXP Semiconductors' automotive processors and networking interfaces to enhance the performance of its autonomous system.

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The integration includes NXP's S32K3 microcontroller, S32G3 vehicle network processor, VR5510 power management integrated circuit, and PF53, all of which have been incorporated into Kodiak's Actuation Control Engine (ACE) from the main autonomy system.

The ACE ensures that Kodiak's AI-powered autonomous system, Kodiak Driver, can execute a controlled stop during a safety-critical component failure.

NXP's technology is central to this capability, enabling functions such as vehicle performance monitoring and on-vehicle power management.

Its automotive solutions improve the Kodiak Driver's reliability by enhancing the system's self-diagnostic capabilities, which contributes to increased vehicle uptime.

Also, the flexibility offered by NXP's vehicle interfaces is expected to facilitate the adaptation of the Kodiak Driver to various vehicle platforms.

The “high-performance” computing and in-vehicle network processors of NXP are designed to support the integration, safety requirements, and real-time performance needs of Kodiak's autonomous system.

They are said to be compliant with the ISO 26262 safety integrity level, ASIL-D, which signifies a low failure rate.

These processors are crucial for the Kodiak Driver's control over vehicle functions such as braking, steering, throttle, as well as power management, according to the Kodiak press release.

This compliance aids Kodiak in its pursuit of developing a scalable and safety-critical computing platform suitable for driverless trucks.

Kodiak Robotics CEO and founder Don Burnette said: "Driverless trucks require powerful and reliable safety-critical computing platforms which meet our rigorous safety standards.

“By incorporating NXP's automotive solutions into the Kodiak Driver, we are positioned to incorporate the highest classification of automotive safety into our autonomous system more efficiently, and at scale."

In April 2025, Kodiak signed a definitive business combination agreement with Ares Acquisition Corporation II (AACT), a special purpose acquisition firm affiliated with Ares Management Corporation.