Autonomous vehicles are at the forefront of transportation technology, and Ohio is fast emerging as a hub for this innovation. Companies engaged in this industry are harnessing cutting-edge automation, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things to transform the way we move. They offer a range of products and services, from autonomous public transit systems to online platforms delivering the latest industry news and insights. As the technology continues to evolve, these companies are not only pushing the boundaries of what's possible, but they are shaping the future of transportation itself.


Top 22 autonomous vehicles companies in Ohio

1. Today's Motor Vehicles Magazine

Today's Motor Vehicles is a website that focuses on the latest developments in the automotive industry, including news, technology, and innovations.


2. The Robot Report

  • Website: therobotreport.com
  • Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 2008
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

The Robot Report provides news and analysis on the robotics industry, including advances in automation, unmanned systems, ai, and the internet of things.


3. First Transit

  • Website: firsttransit.com
  • Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 1955
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

First Transit is a leading transportation provider in North America, offering customized mobility solutions for transit systems. With their expertise and experience in more than 300 locations, they tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of each system. They specialize in providing safe and efficient transportation services, including fixed route, paratransit, and autonomous vehicles.


4. Grimes Aerospace Company

  • Website: grimesaero.com
  • Headquarters: Urbana, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 1933
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Acquired

Grimes Aerospace Company manufactures aircraft lighting and fluid control products.


5. DriveOhio

Ohio is home to dozens of public and private entities all involved in the design, development, testing, use, and regulation of autonomous and connected vehicle technologies. DriveOhio, the state’s center for smart mobility, brings all of these organizations together under one umbrella, serving as the hub for all things autonomous and connected in Ohio. Supported by the Ohio Department of Transportation, DriveOhio also works to ensure Ohio’s regulatory environment and public policies are conducive to the development of the infrastructure and technologies needed for smart mobility. As the single point of contact for all of Ohio’s smart mobility initiatives and advancements, DriveOhio fosters cooperation and collaboration, offers faster access to resources by breaking down government barriers, and improves efficiencies for people and organizations that want to be part of this industry. Simply put, DriveOhio is committed to advancing smart mobility in Ohio and being a one-stop shop for those looking to develop, test and deploy advanced mobility solutions in Ohio.


6. The Mobile Robot Guide

  • Website: mobilerobotguide.com
  • Headquarters: Cleveland, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 2018
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Mobilerobotguide.com is a platform that provides news, reviews, and insights about the latest mobile robots and autonomous vehicles.


7. ThorDrive

  • Website: thordrive.ai
  • Headquarters: Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 2016
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Latest funding type: Series A
  • LinkedIn

ThorDrive’s story began in 2006 when our founder, “The Professor” Dr. Seung-Woo Seo started the AI and Robotics lab at Seoul National University. A few years later, Dr. Seo’s team focused their research on autonomous driving and in 2016, launched their first autonomous vehicle, a robotaxi transporting passengers on the streets of downtown Seoul, South Korea. That very same year, ThorDrive was officially incorporated. In 2018, our expansion to the US was celebrated by the start of a successful last-mile delivery service in Silicon Valley. After completion of the last mile delivery project, the ThorDrive team moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to begin R&D for our most recent proof-of-concept focused on the transformation of ground support operations for cargo and passenger airlines. Now headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, ThorDrive released our proof-of-concept autonomous cargo and baggage tractor in 2021 and has been operating at the Cincinnati/N. Kentucky Airport for over 3 years. Our technology is now expanding to nearby airports and cargo hubs, enhancing the safety, efficiency and sustainability in the aviation industry.


8. The Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research

  • Website: car.osu.edu
  • Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 1991
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is the preeminent research center in sustainable and safe mobility in the United States and an interdisciplinary research center in The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering. With a concentration on preparing the next generation of automotive leaders, CAR is recognized for interdisciplinary emphasis on systems engineering, advanced and unique experimental facilities, collaboration on advanced product development projects with industry, and a balance of government and privately sponsored research. CAR’s research focuses on energy, safety and the environment and it offers state-of-the-art facilities for students, faculty, research staff and industry partners. In collaboration with multiple departments within the College of Engineering, CAR provides students the opportunity to complete a graduate specialization in automotive systems engineering. Further, CAR directly offers a certificate program via distance learning for industry practitioners. The center also provides facilities and support for six automotive undergraduate student project teams. Under the direction of Giorgio Rizzoni, CAR involves more than 40 visiting scholars, 45 staff members, 56 undergraduate students, 42 CAR-affiliated faculty and 100 graduate students who carry out over $8 million of research projects annually.


9. Transportation Research Center Inc.

  • Website: trcpg.com
  • Headquarters: East Liberty, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 1972
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Latest funding type: Grant
  • LinkedIn

TRC is a leading automotive testing and future technology solutions provider. We offer highly accurate calibration services for testing and measurement equipment and specialize in automated driving and collision avoidance. Our expertise in instrument calibration and applied vehicle dynamics allows us to shape the future of transportation. Join us in exploring our facilities and imagining the possibilities.


10. Beta District

The Beta District is more than a physical location, more than an innovation corridor, and more than a single headline-making project. We’ve built an ecosystem that provides an ideal platform for innovative companies of all shapes and sizes. This is where you will learn about, launch, and tweak your big idea with data gleaned from live testing. You will gain insights and inspiration that are not found in a test lab or focus group. To learn more about The Beta District, where the future is tested in Columbus, Ohio our website.


11. Dasher Lawless

  • Website: dasherlawless.com
  • Headquarters: Warren, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 2007
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Latest funding type: Series Unknown
  • LinkedIn

Dasher Lawless is a Services Company and Original Equipment Manufacturer with four major divisions and product lines that include AUTOParkit™, AUTOStorit™ and AUTODockit™ automated systems. They offer expertise in industrial automation, construction, and manufacturing, providing innovative solutions for various industries and product lines.


12. Robotics Business Review

Roboticsbusinessreview.com provides news, analysis, and insights focused on the global robotics ecosystem. The platform delivers information from the most trusted and knowledgeable experts in the industry.


13. VyrtX

  • Website: vyrtx.com
  • Headquarters: Dayton, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

VyrtX is a logistics service provider focused on improving transportation within the organ transplant industry. Their multimodal approach connects healthcare organization supply lines with sophisticated mapping and routing technology, utilizing autonomous air and ground vehicles to transport solid organs and medical essentials safely and efficiently.


14. Hy-Tek Material Handling, LLC

  • Website: hy-tek.com
  • Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 1963
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Latest funding type: Acquired
  • LinkedIn

Hy-Tek is a leading supply chain systems and solutions provider that offers distribution and fulfillment solutions to companies of all sizes. They simplify business growth by providing top-of-the-line implementation services, process improvements, and facility technology. With a focus on supply chain strategy and operational improvements, Hy-Tek enables businesses to create a more efficient warehouse system and delight their customers.


15. Compass Engineering

Compass Engineering provides customized software and control solutions to streamline order fulfillment and picking productivity, accuracy, and efficiency. The company offers a full suite of comprehensive control systems and software that direct the operation of conveyors, sorters, and automated machinery for fulfillment.


16. Vertical Knowledge

  • Website: vk.ai
  • Headquarters: Chagrin Falls, Ohio, United States
  • Founded: 2006
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

vk.ai is a company that specializes in unlocking the power of public data and providing global insights. They offer solutions for businesses and the public sector, utilizing a secure global network connection and automated data collection to help discover and monitor new digital information with autonomy and speed.


17. Motion Controls Robotics, Inc.

Motion Controls Robotics is a company that specializes in providing robotic solutions for material handling and automation. They offer a wide range of products and services including robotic palletizing, depalletizing, case packing, and labeling. With their expertise in industrial software and automation, they help businesses increase throughput and efficiency in their manufacturing processes.


18. Lumenance, LLC

Lumenance LLC is a technical recruiting and contract engineering service provider. They offer skilled engineering talent for automotive, heavy truck, aerospace, and specialty vehicle manufacturers. Their solutions include recruiting, contract engineering services, and remote engineering management throughout North America. They focus on finding the brightest engineers to provide efficient and reliable engineering support.


19. Advanced Mobility Solutions (AMS)

Advanced Mobility Solutions is a provider of tire management solutions and analytics for various industries, offering sensor technology, data analytics dashboard, and suite of tire repair products.


20. Top Shelf Integrated Solutions, LLC

Top Shelf Integrated Solutions offers a wide range of products and services, including forklifts, conveyor systems, and storage solutions. They also provide energy-efficient lighting and ergonomic equipment to help businesses maximize their productivity and safety.


21. INSPIRE: Advanced Transportation

INSPIRE: Advanced Transportation is a hub for the latest in advanced mobility technology. It provides insights and ideas on cutting-edge developments in the transportation industry.


22. Technicity

TechnicityIoT is a consulting company specializing in IoT and connected product design, deployment, and consulting. They offer expertise in various industries such as healthcare, consumerism, and advanced manufacturing.


Want to find more autonomous vehicles companies?


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