Aurora, the autonomous trucks technology startup backed by Amazon, is expanding into Texas as it aims to accelerate the development of self-driving trucks. The company said it plans to test commercial routes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area with a mix of Fiat Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Class 8 trucks. A small fleet of Pacificas will arrive first. The trucks will be on the road in Texas by the end of…
Read MoreVolvo Testing Self-Driving Refuse Truck in Sweden
Could garbage collection be handled by robotic vehicles? That’s the question Volvo Trucks is looking to answer as it tests out a self-driving garbage truck in Sweden. The truck company has a venture with Swedish waste management company Renova to learn how autonomous refuse vehicles can improve safety, make trash collection more efficient and reduce driver injury. “Driving a heavy commercial vehicle in an urban residential area with narrow streets and…
Read MoreNvidia Partners with Paccar on Autonomous Trucks
Around Silicon Valley, semiconductor giant Nvidia is best known for its graphics chips that power a wide range of video game technologies. But in recent years, the company’s growth has also been fueled by its investments in autonomous truck and connected car technologies. Riding that wave, Nvidia recently made clear that autonomous trucks are a priority as well. Nvidia just launched a partnership with Paccar — maker of the Kenworth,…
Read MoreAutomated Commercial Vehicle Webcast April 24
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will hold a public listening session to collect comments and information on autonomous truck technology, or what it calls “highly automated commercial vehicles,” at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Workshop in Atlanta on April 24th. They hope to solicit information on issues relating to the design, development, testing, and deployment of HACVs. FCMSA will webcast the entire session to allow for increased viewing and participation for…
Read MorePenske Rental Trucks with Collision Avoidance
Penske Truck Rental is making collision avoidance systems and air disc brakes its standard spec on commercial tractors within its rental fleet. “These added vehicle features underscore our commitment to over-the-road safety for our commercial truck rental customers and their drivers,” said Don Mikes, senior vice president of rental at Penske. “These systems can help commercial drivers avoid collisions and the braking system provides additional stopping power when needed.” Penske has…
Read MoreMercedes-Benz Autonomous Delivery Van
At last year’s IAA show in Hannover, Germany, Mercedes-Benz Vans unveiled its drone-delivery Vision Van and teased the press with its Vans & Robots concept. On the eve of the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Stefan Maurer, head of future transportation for Mercedes-Benz Vans, went into greater detail about its ideas for incorporating new robot technologies in its Sprinter van to better optimize last-mile delivery in an ever-increasing…
Read MoreDana Spicer Electric E-Axle Driveline Technology
Dana Incorporated has introduced the Spicer Electrified portfolio of fully integrated motor, control, and e-drive technologies designed to advance electric propulsion systems. Spicer Electrified builds on research that Dana has conducted in electric driveline technologies and complements the company’s battery-cooling solutions offered under the Long brand portfolio. “Dana has a unique ability to leverage knowledge across multiple end markets, and we are confident that our investment and research will benefit…
Read MoreSelf Driving Semi Truck Makes First Delivery
Otto and Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch made history in October by successfully making the first delivery by a self-driving semi truck. Yesterday, one of Otto’s self-driving truck prototypes traveled 120 miles on a stretch of Colorado highway between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs to deliver 51,744 cans of Budweiser beer. According to Otto, a professional driver assisted the truck on the entrance and exit ramps but could spend the rest of the…
Read MoreDOT Regulations for Autonomous Trucks
The U.S. Department of Transportation on September 20th, 2016 issued some regulatory framework guidleines for vehicle manufacturers, state regulators and other stakeholders regarding the development and deployment of autonomous trucks. The proposed policy initiative comes as both traditional automotive makers and tech giants march increasingly closer to readying such technology for public use. The 114-page document, which the DOT is accepting public comment on for 60 days, intends to set safety…
Read MoreVolvo Unveils Autonomous Construction Truck
Volvo unveiled a fully autonomous construction truck that it planned to test in underground mines and that it said would “revolutionize the mining industry.” Today, it has revealed more details of the planned testing and released footage of the truck operating beneath the Earth’s surface. The Volvo FMX is part of a research project aimed at improving safety and productivity in places like mines, ports and other restricted and controlled…
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