Stealing a container with the Nvidia logo, there was only 18 tons of sand inside

According to Business Insider, on September 29, two vehicles from the self-driving truck company PlusAI were stolen last weekend in Fremont city, California. Each truck carries 9 tons of sand, but the PlusAI and Nvidia logos can make thieves think there are AI chips inside.

PlusAI reported the theft to police on September 24. A few hours later, a company employee received news that someone had seen two tractor-trailers and reported the location to police. The boxes were opened, but nothing was lost and the vehicle was not damaged, according to Lauren Kwan, PlusAI's vice president of marketing.

In fact, the vehicle uses Nvidia chips in its self-driving system, is running tests, and the cargo box only contains sand to simulate the weight of the cargo, Kwan said.

The incident comes as AI hardware has become an attractive target due to rising prices. According to supply chain analytics company Overhaul, the number of thefts involving data center and computer equipment has increased 34% since 2024, with total losses to date exceeding $150 million.

Two vehicles have been recovered, and the incident remains under investigation. To date, no one has been arrested, a Fremont police representative told Business Insider.