The autonomous freight era is no longer on the horizon—it’s on the highway. From LiDAR-powered perception systems mapping every mile to fully driverless trucks now logging real-world freight runs across the Sun Belt, automation is moving from pilot projects to profitable operations. 

At ACT Expo 2026, taking place May 4–7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the companies leading this transformation will take the mainstage to share what’s next. As the largest fleet technology show in North America, ACT Expo will convene 12,000+ commercial transportation stakeholders for four days of peer-to-peer learning, real-world case studies, and hands-on access to the technologies shaping the future of freight. 

This year’s program expands beyond advanced vehicles, clean fuels and infrastructure to put the digital frontier in sharp focus—showcasing how AI, autonomy, connected vehicles, and software-defined platforms are helping fleets operate smarter, safer, and more efficiently than ever before. 

Mainstage Spotlight: The Virtual Driver Revolutionizing Trucking and Logistics 
Tuesday, May 5 | 10:25 a.m.–11:05 a.m. 

One of the most anticipated sessions of ACT Expo 2026 will feature the leaders making autonomy a commercial reality. Executives from PlusAI, Aurora, Kodiak, and Waabi will explore how virtual drivers are reshaping supply chains, improving safety, and unlocking new efficiencies across freight corridors nationwide. 

Why You Can’t Miss It:  

• Exclusive Insights from the Top: Hear directly from the CEOs and founders behind today’s most advanced autonomous truck technologies and demonstration programs.   

• From Pilot to Profit: Learn how real-world public road corridor deployments and collaborations with OEM partners are delivering measurable efficiency and capacity gains and paving the way for an autonomous future.   

• Behind the Breakthroughs: See how new digital tools and sensor technologies are being applied to support drivers, streamline operations, and reduce risk.    

• Safety First: Unpack how safety cases are built, tested, validated, and communicated to set the bar for commercial deployment.  

• The Policy Frontier: Discover how regulators, insurers, and infrastructure leaders are preparing for the next wave of autonomy.   

• Beyond the Technology: Dive into the social and economic impacts of a driverless world—and what it means for fleets, drivers, and logistics.  

Speakers Include: 

• David Liu, CEO & Co-Founder, PlusAI 

• Don Burnette, Founder & CEO, Kodiak 

• Ossa Fisher, President, Aurora 

• Raquel Urtasun, Founder & CEO, Waabi 

 
A Glimpse of What’s Ahead  

The session underscores a larger theme at ACT Expo 2026: autonomy isn’t theoretical, it’s operational. Fleets are already deploying driverless trucks on high-volume corridors, integrating AI-powered safety systems, and using connected vehicle data to boost efficiency and reduce downtime. These advancements are reshaping how logistics networks plan routes, allocate assets, and train the next generation of technicians and dispatchers.  

This dynamic panel is just the beginning. From autonomy to AI-driven telematics, hydrogen, and electrification, ACT Expo 2026 will cover every technology redefining commercial fleet performance. With every major OEM, fleet, and tech innovator under one roof, the event delivers four days of learning that help fleets prioritize what matters most—profitability, safety, and sustainability. 

Secure your pass today to take advantage of Early Bird rates through December 12. 

Key Takeaways: 

• ACT Expo 2026 will feature a Tuesday Mainstage session, “The Virtual Driver Revolutionizing Trucking and Logistics,” bringing together leading autonomous freight innovators from PlusAI, Aurora, Kodiak, and Waabi.  

• Panelists will share real-world insights into how automation is transforming supply chains, boosting efficiency, and improving safety across commercial fleets. 

• The discussion will also explore the policy, infrastructure, and workforce considerations shaping the path to fully autonomous freight. 

• The session underscores ACT Expo’s expanding focus on digital technologies — including AI, connected and software-defined vehicles, and data-driven fleet solutions.