However, a driver has to be present in the truck to take manual control when the need arises in the case of unexpected emergencies in cities or on highways.
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“We intend to enhance the capabilities of the Otto truck, collect safety data to demonstrate its benefits, and bring this technology to every corner of the USA highway system”, the co-founders said. It was founded by a former lead engineer of Google’s self-driving initiative – Anthony Levandowski – and former Google Maps product lead Lior Ron.
What happens when a group of 40 ex-employees from Google, Apple, Tesla, Cruise Automation and some others come together to make trucks safer? Along with that they will be able to take a power nap while the truck can drive itself automatically.
According to the engineers, automating trucks rather than passenger made more sense and regulators could more readily warm up to the proposal. Within years, they could make the roads safer, the air cleaner, and deliveries cheaper.
Otto isn’t the first self-driving vehicle company to tackle trucks. There’s now a shortage of truck drivers that is expected to grow in the years ahead. Daimler says that won’t start happening until about 2025, meaning the 3.46 million big-rigs already on United States roads aren’t getting any smarter anytime soon. “It might be a great thing”, truck driver Terry Osby said. “But a company that is used to building trucks is not well structured to solve a technology problem”, he says. The world is turning to be the emerging market for autonomous road transport. “Otto will not be directly competing with the truck OEMs, which will provide consumers more options”.
Little else in the way of information about how the system works has been released by Otto.
“Each of these steps involves substantial funding – before, during and after the system is installed in a vehicle”, Teich added.
This may sound scary and ironic, but autonomous auto technology is being brought to a heavier vehicle.
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“Not being partnered or affiliated with any trucking industry participants could pose a major hurdle to entry and acceptance in a tough industry”, noted Lau. The company is testing its kit with the Volvo VNL 780 on California highways, since that’s where most trucking routes are.
