Shares of Aurora Innovation (AUR +1.32%) jumped 77.6% higher in the first half of 2026, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The self-driving truck start-up is beginning to show growth momentum as it develops new routes for customers, even though revenue over the last 12 months was still under $10 million. At $6.10 as of this writing on July 14, 2026, Aurora Innovation is still well below its price when it went public through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in 2021. Here's why the stock was up so much in 2026, and whether you should buy shares as its growth starts to pick up. NASDAQ: AUR Key Data Points Scaling autonomous trucks Aurora Innovation builds hardware and software for self-driving vehicles, specifically for large semi-trucks. With millions of trucks operating in the United States, the company's goal is to expand nationwide for these highway drivers, who face much simpler routes than city drivers. It is currently focused on the southwest, with 12 distinct routes between cities in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Still, it is very early days for the business, which generated just $1 million in revenue last quarter. Revenue is projected to grow to $14 million to $16 million in 2026, driven by new contracts, representing 400% growth at the midpoint. Growth momentum -- even from this small base -- is what has investors excited about Aurora stock at the moment. The trucking industry in the United States is massive. If a company like Aurora Innovation can be a leader in self-driving technology nationwide, there is probably a revenue opportunity in the billions from selling this hardware-and-software bundle alone. Should you buy Aurora Innovation stock? Right now, Aurora's financials do not match up with this investor optimism. Free cash flow was negative $646 million over