Aurora Innovation, an autonomous vehicle technology company, announced on Wednesday that it has implemented a 3% reduction in its workforce as part of a strategic reorganisation. The decision comes as the company prepares for the commercial launch of its self-driving technology.
As of the end of 2022, Aurora had a workforce of 1,700 employees, according to securities filings. The recent organisational review aimed to enhance operational efficiency in anticipation of the forthcoming commercial launch. In a statement attributed to Cristopher Barrett, Senior Vice President of People at Aurora, the company clarified that the workforce reduction affected a limited number of roles, impacting 3% of the total workforce.
Based in Pittsburgh, Aurora Innovation went public through a merger with a blank-check firm in 2021 and is actively engaged in developing the technology that will underpin future self-driving trucks. The company has established partnerships with automotive entities such as Continental AG and Volvo.
Aurora has ambitious plans to deploy its first fleet of autonomous trucks on public roads later this year. The recent announcement highlighted the finalisation of the design and architecture of the hardware for the Aurora Driver autonomous driving system. This system, slated for production by Continental in 2027, plays a pivotal role in Aurora’s self-driving initiatives.
The partnership with Continental AG positions Aurora for the widespread deployment of autonomous trucks following its initial driverless launch, scheduled for the end of 2024. Despite the workforce reduction, Aurora remains focused on advancing its autonomous driving technology and fulfilling its commitments with key industry partners as it progresses toward a future where self-driving vehicles become a reality.