The last co-founder of Otto has left Uber, just 18 months after Uber acquired the self-driving truck startup for a reported $680 million.
Uber’s acquisition of Otto was supposed to jump-start Uber’s own self-driving program. Instead, the purchase came with a lawsuit from Alphabet Inc’s (Google’s parent company) self-driving tech company Waymo. The lawsuit was eventually settled with Uber paying $245 million worth of equity to Waymo.
Now however, with the departure of Don Burnette, all four of Otto’s co-founders have left Uber. They likely did so with far less than their $680 million expected payday since the price was contingent on the Otto team hitting certain development milestones – something Uber’s self-driving tech has reportedly failed to do.
Uber isn’t commenting on Burnette’s departure, but the timing is interesting to say the least. It follows the departure of the head of Uber Freight, which signaled trouble within their CMV division. It also comes after the first pedestrian death from an accident involving an autonomous car, which involved an Uber vehicle in self-driving mode. Following the fatal accident, the company suspended all self-driving tech testing.
Tommy Molnar says
So, will it be driverless trucks or 18 year olds? Not sure which I think is worse.
George says
Great idea, but like trains planes and ships…never remove the operator on board. Yes?
Terry Barron says
This is the worst idea ever!!! Our highway system is not up to date to allow these trucks!!! If this country needs truck drivers then pay for them to drive!!! Minimum pay should be 48cpm and after one year it should be at 55 then 65cpm!! If the LTL Drivers can get paid that wage then everyone should!! Quit hauling cheap freight!!!!
Thomas Kavan says
I agree we should be paid for our experience. I have 35 years without any tickets. I should be rolling in money,but nobody cares.its taking me long time to get to 73000 a year and I run 3500 plus a week. I don’t take vacation either