Volvo unveils prototype self-driving semi truck constructed for lengthy hauls | Engadget

Volvo and Aurora are one step nearer to placing autonomous semi vans on North American roads. The two have revealed a prototype self-driving semi truck meant for “long-haul” journeys in North America, not simply fast hops as with previous automobiles. The variant of Volvo’s VNL seems acquainted, however packs a wide selection of sensors to detect the encircling setting and navigate by itself utilizing the digital Aurora Driver.

The automaker was shy on technical particulars, however stated the massive rig expanded on current VNL security options like Volvo Dynamic Steering and automatic transmission to create a “redundant” system. This truck may not run into a lot bother on the freeway, in different phrases. The corporations beforehand stated they hoped for Level 4 autonomy, or fully human-free driving in restricted conditions.

Volvo has already put autonomous vans into service in international locations like Norway and its Swedish homeland. However, they’ve typically been restricted to quick, narrowly outlined routes. In principle, the brand new prototype may deal with the longer distances and diversified circumstances essential to shuttle payloads between North American cities.

Volvo did not say when it anticipated the prototype to achieve public roads, not to mention once you would possibly see a manufacturing truck. The firm would additionally want laws permitting business self-driving vans, not simply the testing you see in some states. This is a crucial step towards Volvo’s driverless trucking purpose, however removed from the final step.

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