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Aurora Innovation, Inc., a leader in autonomous trucking technology, has unveiled a state-of-the-art research and testing facility in Bozeman, Montana. Located on Montana State University’s Innovation Campus, the 78,000 square-foot space underscores Aurora’s commitment to advancing its proprietary FirstLight Lidar technology and leveraging the region’s photonics expertise.
Key Highlights
- Advanced Facility Features: Includes research labs, a cleanroom for manufacturing, a vehicle testing garage, and modern office spaces for collaboration.
- Strategic Location: Situated on Montana State University’s Innovation Campus, benefiting from its photonics engineering heritage.
- Ribbon-Cutting Event: Attended by Governor Gianforte, local officials, and Aurora’s leadership, showcasing the facility’s capabilities and regional impact.
- Historical Roots: Builds on Aurora’s 2019 acquisition of Blackmore, a lidar company based in Bozeman, pivotal in developing the FirstLight Lidar technology.
Strengthening Local Innovation and Workforce
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte emphasized the significance of Aurora’s investment: “Our state is made stronger when companies like Aurora choose to expand their business in Montana.” Aurora’s collaboration with Montana State University and the Bozeman community reflects its goal to inspire the next generation of innovators while fostering economic growth in photonics and high-tech industries.
U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) lauded the initiative, noting its potential to create jobs and expand the state’s talent pool in cutting-edge technology. Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham echoed this sentiment, praising the collaboration between Aurora and local stakeholders.
Driving Lidar Development
Aurora’s Bozeman facility serves as the cornerstone for the continued evolution of the FirstLight Lidar system. The sensor, capable of detecting objects at over 450 meters, is instrumental in enabling highway operations for autonomous trucks. Aurora plans to commercially launch its autonomous trucking solution in Texas by April 2025.
Chris Urmson, Aurora’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted the importance of Montana’s photonics leadership: “Our new Bozeman office deepens our commitment to the region and strengthens our ability to expand our fleet of autonomous trucks.”
About Aurora
Aurora aims to transform transportation through its self-driving system, Aurora Driver, which powers vehicles ranging from freight-hauling trucks to ride-hailing cars. The company collaborates with leading industry players like Toyota, FedEx, and Volvo, as it strives to make transportation safer, more accessible, and efficient.
For more information, visit aurora.tech.
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