Self-Driving Semi Trucks to be Fully Released by 2024
A cutting-edge autonomous freight company is gearing up for the introduction of fully autonomous semi-trucks on Texas highways next year.
Located in Palmer, Texas, just 30 miles from Dallas, Aurora, the autonomous truck enterprise, conducts extensive testing of self-driving tractor trailers as a regular practice. The company’s president, Ossa Fisher, shared that Aurora performs 75 autonomous truckloads every week in collaboration with various trucking partners.
Fisher expressed excitement, stating, “Autonomy is undeniably present. We navigate autonomous loads daily on Texas highways.” The autonomous trucks currently operate routes from Dallas to Houston and Fort Worth to El Paso, accompanied by a human driver ready to take control if necessary. These trucks are equipped with cutting-edge long-range lidar, radar, and cameras, providing an unparalleled nearly 360-degree view of the surroundings. This technology enables the trucks to respond to changing road conditions with an impressive lead time of nine to eleven seconds, compared to human drivers.
“We can see a near 360-degree view of the world,” emphasized Fisher. Despite their success in various terrains, the self-driving trucks have not yet been tested in cold climates or on icy and snowy roads. Fisher confirmed plans to initiate testing in winter conditions at a later date, saying, “We have stayed away from ice and snow. That is definitely the plan to bring it into the fold.”
Autonomous Trucking is Transforming Deliveries
Aurora’s first wave of autonomous trucks is reserved exclusively for sunbelt states, assisting hub-to-hub deliveries. After reaching these hubs, human drivers will seamlessly take over, completing the transportation to their final destinations. John Esparza, President of the Texas Trucking Association, praised the initiative as both revolutionary and evolutionary. He hopes for increased opportunities for drivers to be home at night to spend more time with their loved ones.
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