Important Innovations Collection

Partner to Develop Self-Driving Semi Trucks                                                            Source:  Daimler Trucks and Waymo Driverless Big Rigs Daimler and Alphabet/Google Waymo announced today that they are collaborating on the development of self-driving Class 8 semi trucks.  Specifically, they plan on incorporating Waymo's automated system into Daimler's Freightliner Cascadia semi trucks.  These are very big rigs capable of hauling 33,000 pounds. Big Win for Waymo This is a big win for Waymo which has been trying to collaborate with major, established automakers.  Waymo CEO John Krafcik, during a conference call about the deal, said it will take some time to develop the braking, steering and other technologies needed to bring fully self-driving semi trucks to market in high volum...

US Mail Tests Autonomous Truck Deliveries Source:  TuSimple Autonomous Truck Autonomous Mail Delivery The US Postal Service has started a two week test, driving mail across three southwestern states using self-driving trucks.  This is a big move forward to commercialize the use of autonomous vehicle technology to haul freight long distances. TuSimple Startup Autonomous Trucks A San Diego startup TuSimple is deploying its self-driving trucks for the mail hauling tests.  The route is between Phoenix and Dallas.  The test is to see if the system improves delivery times and costs.  A human safety driver is behind the wheel to intervene if necessary  and an engineer is riding in the passenger seat. Future of Autonomous Freight This test is about the future class of autonomous vehicles hauling freight long distances and the potential of new technologies.  The pilot program involves five round trips each at 2100 miles and 45 hours of driving.