Artificial intelligence-powered self-driving trucks are no longer a distant concept. They are quickly becoming a real solution to some of the logistics industry’s biggest challenges. As supply chains face growing pressure and the driver shortage deepens across the U.S. and Europe, Plus Automation is stepping up with bold ambitions and powerful AI.

Recently, the Santa Clara, California-based startup announced it will go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX. The combined company will operate as PlusAI, which describes itself as a Physical AI company commercializing AI-based virtual driver software for autonomous trucks.

While the SPAC merger is a major milestone, at the heart of this deal is Plus’ goal of driving the future of autonomous freight and reshaping the trucking industry, even as concerns around safety, regulation and driver jobs continue to spark debate.

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DRIVERLESS BIG RIG ROBOTRUCKS ARE NOW ON THE ROAD IN THIS STATE

Self-driving truck  (Plus Automation)

Why Plus is grabbing attention in the trucking world

Trucking is a $2 trillion freight market in the U.S. and Europe alone, and it faces some serious headwinds. There is a growing shortage of drivers, rising costs, and relentless demand for faster deliveries. Plus’s SuperDrive software is designed to address these pain points by enabling safe, scalable autonomous trucking. The technology is not just theoretical. It has already been tested over five million miles across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, gathering real-world data to make its AI smarter and more reliable with every trip.

Founded in Silicon Valley in 2016 by engineers and entrepreneurs with deep roots in AI and machine learning, Plus has always aimed to do things differently. Instead of relying on hand-coded rules, Plus uses advanced AI models to create a “driving intelligence” that learns and adapts from every mile on the road. This AV 2.0 approach helped Plus achieve a major safety milestone in April 2025, when its SuperDrive system successfully completed “driver-out” validation. The truck operated autonomously without a human behind the wheel. Plus is currently running public road tests in Texas and Sweden, with more fleet trials coming soon.

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Interior of self-driving truck (Plus Automation)

DRIVERLESS BIG RIG ROBOTRUCKS ARE NOW ON THE ROAD IN THIS STATE

The power of partnerships: OEMs and industry leaders

One of Plus’s biggest strengths is its deep integration with top truck manufacturers, including TRATON GROUP, Hyundai, and IVECO. These companies are working closely with Plus to factory-build, validate, and support autonomous trucks powered by SuperDrive. This OEM-led strategy means that fleet operators will receive autonomous trucks ready for the road, complete with support from trusted manufacturers.

Plus is not working in isolation. The company has formed strategic collaborations with industry leaders like DSV, Bosch, and NVIDIA. These partnerships are designed to accelerate the rollout of autonomous capabilities and ensure that the technology is robust, reliable, and ready for real-world deployment. By working together, they are building an ecosystem that supports fleet operators every step of the way.

Interior of self-driving truck  (Plus Automation)

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Financial strength and a smart business model

The upcoming merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX is expected to provide Plus with up to $300 million in gross proceeds. This capital will help fund the commercial launch of SuperDrive-enabled, factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027. Plus is entering the public market with a pre-money valuation of $1.2 billion, offering an attractive opportunity for investors interested in the next wave of AI-driven logistics.

What sets Plus apart financially is its capital-light, software-focused model. Instead of building trucks from scratch, Plus provides the AI “brain” that powers them, generating recurring revenue through a driver-as-a-service approach. This means high margins, scalable growth, and a clear path to profitability. The company is led by a team of experienced founders and executives, including CEO David Liu, who has a proven track record of building and scaling technology startups. Liu underscores the company’s broader mission, stating:

“Our long-term vision is to empower fleet operators to run global freight networks with autonomous vehicles that improve safety, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. We believe the industry is at a critical inflection point, driven by breakthroughs in AI, supportive regulatory momentum, and ecosystem readiness.” 

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Illustration of AI-powered software being used in a self-driving truck  (Plus Automation)

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Why autonomous trucking is more relevant than ever

The numbers tell a compelling story. The U.S. and Europe together face a shortage of over 300,000 truck drivers every year, and that gap is only expected to widen as the workforce ages. Autonomous trucks offer a real solution by reducing operating costs, increasing truck utilization, and helping fleet operators keep up with demand. Plus’s SuperDrive system is purpose-built for these challenges. With ongoing fleet trials and partnerships, the company is well-positioned to deliver a safe, scalable alternative to traditional trucking.

Illustration of  SuperDrive-enabled trucks  (Plus Automation)

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What’s next for Plus and the industry?

Looking ahead, Plus is targeting the commercial launch of its SuperDrive-enabled trucks in 2027, starting in the U.S. and expanding into Europe. With operations in California, Texas, and Germany, Plus is ready to support customers on both sides of the Atlantic. The company’s long-term vision is to empower fleet operators to run global freight networks with autonomous vehicles that improve safety, boost efficiency, and cut costs.

Illustration of  SuperDrive-enabled trucks  (Plus Automation)

Not everyone is onboard: Skepticism and industry pushback

While Plus Automation’s vision is ambitious, it is not without critics. The autonomous trucking industry continues to face scrutiny from regulators, labor unions, and some logistics professionals who question whether the technology is truly ready for wide-scale deployment.

Regulatory uncertainty remains one of the biggest obstacles. Fully autonomous, driver-out operations like Plus is testing raise complex questions about safety, liability, and insurance. Many policymakers are cautious, arguing that current oversight and laws have not yet adapted to the fast-moving landscape of vehicle automation.

Labor organizations, particularly the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have voiced strong opposition. They warn that the widespread adoption of autonomous trucks could displace tens of thousands of human drivers and impact job security across the freight industry. These groups are pushing for more transparency, safety assurances, and legal protections for workers as automation expands. In a public statement opposing the rapid rollout of autonomous trucks, Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, said this:

“We are not going to sit back and watch as automation threatens the livelihood of millions of truck drivers across America.”

This quote underscores the growing tension between innovation and labor rights. For many in the workforce, autonomous trucking is seen less as a technological leap forward and more as a potential disruption to long-standing jobs and livelihoods.

Even within the logistics industry itself, some operators remain skeptical about the pace of adoption. Questions remain about how autonomous systems will handle unpredictable real-world conditions such as bad weather, complex intersections, and rural roadways where sensor performance can vary.

In response, Plus emphasizes its phased approach to automation. Rather than replacing drivers overnight, the company positions its SuperDrive system as a way to augment human capabilities, improve safety, and reduce fatigue. Its deep partnerships with trusted manufacturers and logistics providers are also aimed at easing the transition and building confidence across the industry.

As Plus prepares to go public, how it addresses these concerns from regulators, workers, and industry stakeholders will be critical. Earning trust may prove just as important as advancing the technology itself.

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Self-driving truck  (Plus Automation)

The long road to autonomous safety

According to Linda Garner-Bunch, managing editor of The Trucker Media Group:

“The idea of developing viable — and safe — autonomous Class 8 trucks has been around since the 1990s, with lots of tech firms tossing their hats in the ring. Many of those firms have failed, often because of a lack of funding. In addition, both the general public and the trucking industry have expressed concerns about the safety of current autonomous technology. After all, an 80,000-pound driverless truck can do a lot more damage than a 6,000-pound passenger car if something goes wrong! 

To address this, legislation has been introduced requiring that a qualified human operator be present in autonomous heavy-duty trucks to take over manual control as needed. Even so, autonomous tech is becoming increasingly common in both commercial and private vehicles — think anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane assist, camera systems … the list goes on and on. 

Autonomy may be the future of the trucking industry, but it’s not ready for full deployment at this time. Adequate funding is needed to ensure that the development and testing of autonomous technology is done properly and safely. The merger between Plus and Churchill Capital Corp IX will help ensure the company has the necessary capital to conduct research, development, and testing while ensuring the safety of everyone on the road.”

Kurt’s key takeaways

Autonomous trucking might still sound futuristic to some, but companies like Plus Automation are proving it’s already becoming a reality. With real-world testing, major industry partnerships, and a smart approach to scaling, Plus is putting itself in a strong position to lead this next chapter in logistics. That said, the journey won’t be without its challenges. From regulatory roadblocks to concerns about the impact on jobs, there’s still a lot to figure out. But if Plus can keep building trust and showing that its tech really does make trucking safer and more efficient, it could help reshape how freight moves across the U.S. and beyond.

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Are you ready to share the road with autonomous trucks powered by AI instead of human drivers, or do you think there are still hurdles to overcome before this technology should go mainstream? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Your health information might feel private and secure with your doctor, but the reality is far more complicated. Data brokers collect a wide range of sensitive health data, from diagnoses and prescription details to personal identifiers, and sell this data to marketers, insurers, and other third parties. These buyers use the information to target ads, adjust insurance premiums, or even for purposes you might not expect. Understanding who holds your health data and how it’s used and shared is crucial to protecting your privacy.

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A woman viewing her health app. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Massive health data breaches are fueling the data broker industry

You might think your health data is safe with your doctor. But what if I told you total strangers might know when you last Googled “early signs of dementia” or filled a prescription for anxiety meds, and they’re selling that to whoever is willing to pay for it? A recent data breach at Yale New Haven Health, Connecticut’s largest healthcare system, exposed sensitive information on 5.5 million people. And it’s not an isolated incident; new research shows that since 2020, approximately 94.5 million Americans may have had their Social Security numbers stolen during health data breaches. The scary part is that data brokers collect and sell the names, addresses, and prescribed medications of patients diagnosed with mental health disorders to marketers on a large scale. How much is your medical information worth? Data brokers can sell it for as little as $0.06 per record. Let’s break down what these data brokers know, who they’re selling it to, and why it matters for you, your family, and especially vulnerable groups like seniors.

Illustration of a medical record. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What types of health information are data brokers selling?

There’s a difference between protected health information, the kind your doctor and health insurer have to keep private, thanks to HIPAA, and the health-adjacent data you leave behind everywhere else.

Data brokers typically don’t have access to your official medical records. But they’re not regulated under HIPAA or any other laws, so they can legally collect:

• Fitness app data: Step counts, heart rate, calories burned.
• Symptom-related Google searches: Even “early signs of dementia” or “knee pain at night.”
• Pharmacy purchases: Both prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
• Wellness quizzes and online forms: Those “What’s your biological age?” surveys aren’t just for fun.
• Social media posts and likes: Public posts about health topics, comments in support groups.
• Location data: Visits to clinics, pharmacies, or addiction recovery centers.

And it doesn’t stop there. Non-health data, like where you shop or the ads you click, gets combined to build a disturbingly accurate health profile.

A woman using a health app to keep track of pills (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Why selling your health data is more dangerous than you think

This isn’t harmless marketing data. When health information lands in the wrong hands, it creates real risks:

• Higher insurance premiums or limited coverage based on inferred health risks.
• Scams targeting seniors and vulnerable groups use lists of people flagged for dementia, heart disease, or other conditions.
• Privacy violations, exposing sensitive details like mental health struggles or fertility treatments.
• Discrimination in hiring, housing, or services based on health-related data.
• Resale to unknown third parties, making it impossible to control once it’s out there.

And it’s not just marketers. A recent government-backed autism study led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sparked outrage after it was revealed that private health data was collected from federal and commercial databases without clear safeguards.  Security experts warn that this kind of large-scale data collection runs the risk of exposing deeply personal information with little oversight.

A healthcare professional looking at health data on a tablet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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8 ways to protect your health data from data brokers

Worried about who has access to your health data? While you can’t control every breach or broker, you can take steps to limit what’s collected, shared, and sold. Here’s how to take back control of your digital health footprint-starting today.

1) Use a personal data removal service: Data brokers collect and sell sensitive health information, including diagnoses, prescriptions, and personal identifiers, to marketers, insurers, and other third parties. This means details about your pharmacy purchases, symptom-related searches, and more could be circulating without your knowledge. A personal data removal service can help you take back control. This is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your privacy and protect yourself and your family from risks like scams, higher insurance premiums, and discrimination.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice.  They aren’t cheap – and neither is your privacy.  These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites.  It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet.  By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.

Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web

2) Audit your apps and privacy settings: Health and fitness apps collect more than you realize. Delete the ones you don’t trust and check permissions on the rest

3) Be wary of free health quizzes and symptom checkers: If a site asks for personal details in exchange for “insights,” assume it’s monetizing your answers. Consult your doctor, not a clickbait quiz.

4) Limit data sharing beyond healthcare providers: Only provide necessary information when signing up for health-related services or apps. Be wary of sharing health details on social media or in public forums, as these can be scraped by data brokers.

5) Request data minimization from providers: Ask your healthcare providers to collect and store only the minimum amount of personal information necessary for your care, reducing the risk if their systems are compromised.

6) Use strong antivirus software: Strong antivirus software acts as a shield, protecting your devices from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats that could compromise your personal health data. Choose a reputable solution that offers real-time threat detection, regular updates, and robust protection for all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Keeping your antivirus up to date is crucial for blocking malicious links and downloads before they can do harm. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

7) Regularly update your software: Cyber threats targeting health data are constantly evolving, and outdated software can leave your devices vulnerable to attacks that expose your sensitive information. Keeping your operating system, apps, antivirus, and security tools up to date ensures you have the latest protections against malware, ransomware, and other exploits that data brokers or hackers might use to access your health information. Regular updates patch security holes before they can be exploited, helping to prevent breaches like those that have exposed millions of Americans’ health details in recent years.

8) Use strong and unique passwords: Your health data is often protected by passwords on apps, portals, and devices. Using strong, unique passwords for each account reduces the risk that a single breach could give someone access to multiple sources of your personal information. Avoid common or reused passwords, and consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. This step is crucial because once your login credentials are compromised, data brokers or cybercriminals can gather and sell your health-related data, leading to privacy violations, discrimination, or targeted scams. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2025 here. 

Kurt’s key takeaways

Your health should be personal, but in today’s digital world, that privacy is constantly under threat. Even if you’re cautious, your health-related information can be collected, analyzed, and sold without your clear consent. The good news is that you can take real steps to reduce your exposure and protect what matters. This isn’t about fear; it’s about staying informed and taking control of your digital footprint.

Should lawmakers and tech companies be doing more to protect our health data, or is it all on us to safeguard our own privacy? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact. 

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Kepler Robotics has officially introduced its Forerunner K2 “Bumblebee” humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant in Shanghai, marking a significant moment in the real-world deployment of advanced robotics. In a recently released video, the K2 is seen moving confidently through the plant, performing detailed quality checks, and handling assembly operations that demand both strength and precision. This debut signals the beginning of scenario-based testing for Kepler’s humanoid robots across a variety of industrial settings, where their capabilities can be evaluated in live production environments.

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Humanoid robots at the SAIC-GM automotive plant in Shanghai (Kepler Robotics)

How Kepler’s K2 “Bumblebee” is changing automotive manufacturing

The K2 “Bumblebee” robot is built for the demands of modern factories. At SAIC-GM, it has already demonstrated its ability to perform intricate inspections, navigate complex factory layouts, and manage heavy automotive components with impressive autonomy. The robot can load stamped parts, manipulate mechanical fixtures, and adapt to new tasks using a combination of imitation and reinforcement learning. Its presence in the factory highlights a shift toward smarter, more efficient production lines, where robots and humans work side by side to achieve higher standards of quality and safety.

Forerunner K2 “Bumblebee” humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant. (Kepler Robotics)

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Mechanical and AI advancements in the Forerunner K2

Kepler’s Forerunner K2 is a notable step up from its predecessor, the K1, thanks to extensive improvements in both hardware and software. The K2 features a reinforced limb structure for greater durability and easier maintenance, tactile manipulators with an impressive 11 degrees of freedom per hand, and flexible fingertip sensors that boost its dexterity. Its integrated battery allows for up to eight hours of continuous operation, supporting the long shifts required in industrial settings.

On the intelligence side, the K2 leverages a cloud-based cognitive system that enables it to learn new tasks quickly and coordinate its movements with full-body awareness. Enhanced perception, task planning, and improved human-robot interaction algorithms allow the K2 to operate independently while collaborating smoothly with human coworkers.

Forerunner K2 “Bumblebee” humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant. (Kepler Robotics)

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Kepler’s K2 and the future of humanoid robots in industry

Kepler’s ambitions for its humanoid robots extend far beyond automotive manufacturing. The company envisions these robots playing active roles in education, research, security, logistics, and hazardous outdoor operations. In classrooms, the K2 can support interactive learning and real-time coaching, while in research labs, it can help with data gathering and experimental tasks.

For security applications, the robot’s advanced sensors enable it to patrol complex areas, detect emergencies, and assist in rescue operations. In logistics, the K2 is designed to automate goods handling and warehouse management, increasing both accuracy and efficiency.

Its robust design, waterproofing, and resistance to extreme temperatures make it suitable for challenging environments, including areas with radiation or explosive hazards. The K2’s autonomous navigation and real-time monitoring capabilities help reduce risks and boost productivity, especially in high-risk conditions.

Forerunner K2 “Bumblebee” humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant. (Kepler Robotics)

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What Sets the K2 Apart

The Forerunner K2 stands out for its precision, endurance, and adaptability. With advanced manipulators and flexible sensors, the robot can handle delicate and complex tasks that require a human-like touch. Its eight-hour battery life supports continuous operation during long industrial shifts, and its learning algorithms enable it to adapt to new tasks and environments with minimal retraining.

Kepler also emphasizes the cost efficiency of the K2, stating that it can match or exceed the workload of multiple human workers in certain scenarios, making it a practical addition to high-demand workplaces. The company has set the base price for the Forerunner K2 at around $30,000, positioning it as an accessible option for manufacturers seeking to boost productivity and efficiency with intelligent robotics.

Forerunner K2 “Bumblebee” humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant. (Kepler Robotics)

Addressing concerns about job displacement

The introduction of advanced humanoid robots like Kepler’s K2 naturally raises questions about the future of human employment in manufacturing and other industries. It’s true that automation and robotics have the potential to change the way work is organized on the factory floor. Some worry that robots could replace jobs traditionally held by people, especially in roles that involve repetitive or physically demanding tasks.

However, experts and industry leaders point out that the story is more nuanced. While certain jobs may be automated, new opportunities often emerge alongside technological advancements. For example, the rise of robotics is expected to create roles in robot maintenance, programming, AI training, and oversight, jobs that require different skills but are essential to supporting and managing these new systems. Many analysts believe that robots like the K2 are likely to complement human workers by taking over monotonous or hazardous duties, which allows people to focus on more complex, creative, or supervisory tasks.

Collaborative robots, or “cobots,” are specifically designed to work alongside humans, enhancing productivity and safety rather than simply replacing labor. This collaborative approach can lead to new forms of teamwork and innovation on the factory floor, making work environments safer and more efficient. Ultimately, the integration of humanoid robots is expected to shift the workforce rather than eliminate it, opening up new possibilities for both businesses and employees as they adapt to a more automated future.

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Forerunner K2 “Bumblebee” humanoid robot at the SAIC-GM automotive plant. (Kepler Robotics)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Kepler’s K2 humanoid robot making its debut at SAIC-GM is a big step forward for robotics in real-world workplaces. Watching these robots take on challenging tasks alongside people shows just how much potential there is for collaboration between humans and machines. As more companies explore what humanoid robots can do, it’s going to be fascinating to see how these partnerships shape the future of work and industry.

Despite what experts and industry leaders say, does it concern you that as robots like Kepler’s K2 take on more tasks, human workers will be replaced? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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