This Autonocast interview features Xiaodi Hou, founder and CEO of Bot Auto, discussing his new venture and reflecting on his experiences as co-founder and former CEO of TuSimple. The conversation begins with a brief recap of TuSimple's trajectory and Hou's departure, followed by a detailed explanation of Bot Auto's approach to autonomous trucking. Hou emphasizes Bot Auto's "transportation as a service" model, focusing on operational efficiency and profitability with a smaller fleet, contrasting it with other companies' software-as-a-service models. He highlights Bot Auto's commitment to using cutting-edge technology and a scrappy, capital-efficient approach, aiming for profitability with fewer than 100 trucks by focusing on specific, shorter routes initially. The interview concludes with Hou's reflections on lessons learned and future strategies.
