First Completed Test Run for a Self-driving Truck

The first completed test run for a self-driving semi-truck was in early February from Los Angeles, California to Jacksonville, Florida. Embark, the manufacturer of the technology, has created a self-driving truck. The truck is a level 2 self-driving truck which means that there has to be a driver present in order for the truck to move. The driver’s purpose is to ensure the truck is operated properly while actively monitoring its progress. The goal for Embark is to create a level 4 truck which, if successful, can be operated with no driver.

The goal of Embarks self-driving trucks is to create a flow on the highways from terminal to terminal. Local drivers would still be needed for pick-ups and deliveries on a daily basis. According to the CEO of Embark, Alex Rodriguez, the level 2 self-driving truck completed the run within five days, this was by following the normal driver limits. With a completely automated level 4 truck, the total drive time would only take two days. By having a shorter transit times, the freight flow would be greater and allow for economic growth, along with grown in e-commerce.

Currently, Embarks few trucks have been transporting goods for Electrolux from Los Angeles, CA to El Paso, Texas. The company’s goal is to grow the fleet to 40 trucks. The technology that is being applied to these trucks are cameras, radars, and lidars; these are used to track the truck and its environment. Additionally, the technology installed on the trucks would allow the machine to learn its environment, so remapping or geographical updates wouldn’t necessarily need to take place. The truck would ideally update itself as changes would occur on frequent routes.

Contributor: Aaron Murphy

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References:

Clevenger, Seth. “Embark Self-Driving Truck Completes Coast-to-Coast Test Run.” Transport Topics, 6 Feb. 2018, www.ttnews.com/articles/embark-self-driving-truck-completes-coast-coast-test-run.