Pronto.ai Steals Spotlight with Acquisition of Rival SafeAI in Autonomous Off-Road Vehicle Market

In the realm of engineering, the intersection of professionals possessing knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, and mining is comparatively modest. However, Anthony Levandowski, CEO of Pronto.ai, aims to expand this pool significantly, a goal that appears to be materializing through strategic acquisitions.

Recently, Pronto.ai, a pioneering startup headquartered in San Francisco, has announced the acquisition of its competitor Safe AI. Details regarding the financial aspects of the transaction remain undisclosed; however, Levandowski characterizes the move as a strategic play for talent and technology. The majority of Safe AI’s engineering team and intellectual property (IP) are expected to join Pronto.ai. A source privy to the deal estimates that the acquisition cost was in the millions.

In an interview , Levandowski stated, “Within the autonomous haulage system sector, there are essentially two major players – it’s SafeAI and us.” He further elaborated that while Pronto.ai and Safe AI have pursued distinct market approaches, the acquisition will augment Pronto.ai’s resources, enabling faster growth.

Founded in 2018 by Anthony Levandowski and Ognen Stojanovski, Pronto.ai employs advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence to autonomously operate haul trucks. Additionally, the startup utilizes Pollen Mobile, a peer-to-peer open source mobile data network launched in 2022, which facilitates anonymous and high-speed data exchange without relying on traditional carriers, particularly beneficial for sites with limited connectivity.

Pronto.ai has maintained a lean team of approximately 40 members. The acquisition of Safe AI is expected to broaden Pronto.ai’s customer base, including international markets. Last year, Pronto.ai extended its partnership with Heidelberg Materials North America, one of the world’s largest build materials and cement producers, following a pilot program at the company’s Bridgeport Quarry in Texas. Pronto.ai’s technology is integrated into Komatsu haulage trucks, which operate autonomously at the site.

Earlier this year, Pronto.ai announced an agreement with Heidelberg to deploy over 100 autonomous trucks and expand its team in Brazil. The acquisition will allow Pronto.ai to cater to a diverse range of needs, from small quarries to large mines.

Significantly, the acquisition will enable Pronto.ai to offer customers a tiered technology portfolio. Known for its camera-only approach, Pronto.ai plans to incorporate SafeAI’s multi-sensor strategy, which includes onboard cameras, radar, and lidar. Additionally, Pronto.ai intends to leverage SafeAI’s ASIL D-certified safety framework, the highest safety integrity level in the industry.