On Monday, Gatik, a company specializing in autonomous logistics for the middle - mile segment, made a major announcement regarding the expansion of its commercial partnership with Loblaw, Canada's biggest retailer. As per a multi - year agreement, Gatik's fleet of autonomous trucks will be rolled out across Loblaw's distribution network in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In a strategic move, Loblaw will invest in Gatik to expedite the growth of its truck fleet.

In the first stage of the plan, by the end of 2025, 20 autonomous trucks, which are outfitted with cutting - edge sensor systems, will start operating. Subsequently, an extra 30 trucks will join the fleet by the end of 2026. These trucks are tasked with short - to - medium - distance transportation. They will deliver both dry goods and perishable items to Loblaw stores around the clock, seven days a week.

The expansion of the fleet has been made feasible by Ontario's newly launched Automated Commercial Motor Vehicle Program in August. This program permits the large - scale operation of autonomous trucks under a regulatory framework that prioritizes safety. At the outset, Gatik's autonomous vehicles will have safety drivers on board. However, there are plans to gradually shift towards fully driverless operations in the future.