UP066: Locomation // commercializing autonomous trucking with convoy technology (from CES 2020)

Interview begins: 5:25
Debrief begins: 46:38

Tekin Meriçli is the cofounder and CTO of Locomation, a company focused on developing autonomous trucking. Founded in 2018, Locomation hopes to implement autonomous driving technology into freight trucks to create convoys of semi-autonomous, highway-travelling trucks.

Tekin became interested in computer technology from a young age while growing up in Istanbul. An alumni of UT Austin, Bogaziçi, and Carnegie Mellon, he has a multitude of engineering experience in the field, which he brings to Locomation.

We discuss:

• Ad: Finding experienced employees for your new business with Integrity Power Search (3:48)
• Tech community in Istanbul (7:37)
• DARPA challenge and Carnegie Mellon's advances in autonomous AI (11:36)
• The idea for Locomation and the Artificial General Intelligence problem (17:35)
• Locomotion truck convoys (23:56)
• Creating a business from autonomous driving (26:58)
• Locomation's progress to date (29:00)
• Truck drivers of Locomation (31:56)
• Implementing Locomation (37:07, 41:33)
• Will Locomation be the first? (38:24)
• Decreased driver's pay vs. improved driving conditions (39:50)
• 5-10 year goals (44:38)

Learn more about Locomation: https://locomation.ai/
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This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

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