In a significant move for the autonomous vehicle industry, Lior Ron, the former CEO of Uber Freight, has joined the self-driving truck startup Waabi as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This transition, announced on August 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for Waabi as it gears up to launch fully driverless trucks on public highways later this year.
The Rise of Waabi in Autonomous Trucking
Founded by AI pioneer Raquel Urtasun, Waabi is a Toronto-based company focused on revolutionizing the trucking industry through Physical AI and autonomous technology.
Ron's appointment comes at a critical juncture as Waabi shifts from research and development to commercial operations, aiming to scale its operations in 2025 and beyond.
Lior Ron’s Legacy at Uber Freight
Having led Uber Freight since 2016, Ron played a key role in transforming it into a $5 billion annual business, establishing strong ties with shipping customers across the U.S.
His prior experience in autonomous technology, including collaboration with Urtasun during her tenure as chief scientist at Uber’s autonomous tech unit, positions him uniquely to drive Waabi’s vision forward.
Impact on the Autonomous Vehicle Industry
The move signals a growing confidence in the near-future deployment of self-driving big rigs on U.S. roads, an era Ron himself has described as imminent.
Waabi’s existing partnership with Uber Freight, which will continue despite Ron’s transition, underscores the potential for synergy between established logistics giants and innovative startups.
Historical Context of Autonomous Trucking
The concept of autonomous trucking has evolved rapidly over the past decade, with early experiments like Otto (co-founded by Ron and later acquired by Uber) paving the way for today’s advancements.
Waabi’s focus on AI-driven solutions represents the next frontier, promising to address longstanding challenges like driver shortages and safety concerns in the trucking industry.
Looking Ahead: Waabi’s Future Goals
With Ron at the helm of operations, Waabi aims to expand its commercial footprint throughout 2026, potentially reshaping freight transportation with fully autonomous semis.
As the industry watches closely, Ron’s leadership could accelerate the adoption of driverless technology, setting a new standard for efficiency and innovation in logistics.
Andrew Lee
