CAL FIRE has begun testing autonomous technology from Overland AI for wildfire response, marking the agency's first evaluation of self-driving vehicle capabilities in firefighting efforts. This initiative utilizes two of Overland’s self-driving 4-wheelers to deliver supplies such as food, water, and batteries at Camp Pendleton in Southern California.
Overland AI, founded in 2022 and based in Seattle, aims to apply its autonomous driving technology to both military and civilian contexts. The company has previously secured military contracts, including an $18.6 million deal with the U.S. Army, and collaborates with entities like the U.S. Marine Corps and DARPA.
The startup, co-founded by Stephanie Bonk and Byron Boots, recently raised $32 million in funding and expanded its operations with a new 22,000 square-foot facility. Overland currently employs 101 people, a significant increase from last year's 58 employees.