Some semi trucks traveling on Interstate 45 between Houston and Dallas don’t have anyone in the driver’s seat after Pennsylvania-based Aurora Innovation, Inc launched this week its self-driving commercial trucking service in the Lone Star State.
It’s the first time a class 8, heavy duty truck will drive itself in the United States, the company said. Trucks will regularly haul loads between Houston and Dallas before expanding to El Paso and Phoenix, Arizona. The “Aurora Driver” has so far traversed over 1,200 miles without a driver.
“We founded Aurora to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly and broadly. Now, we are the first company to successfully and safely operate a commercial driverless trucking service on public roads,” said Chris Urmson, CEO and co-founder of Aurora. “Riding in the back seat for our inaugural trip was an honor of a lifetime — the Aurora Driver performed perfectly and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
The self-driving truck uses a powerful computer and sensors that see beyond the length of four football fields and can predict red light runners, avoid collision ,and detect pedestrians in the dark from hundreds of feet away.
“Texas continues to attract emerging industries because we offer an environment that welcomes entrepreneurs and encourages innovation – key factors in Texas’ unmatched economic success,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said of Aurora’s commercial launch. “Texas ranks No. 1 for technology and innovation, and that continues as we welcome America’s first self-driving trucks.”
“These new, autonomous semis on the I-45 corridor will efficiently move products, create jobs, and help make our roadways safer,” Abbott added. “Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed, and the Aurora Driver will further spur economic growth and job creation in Texas. Together through innovation, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Texas for generations.”
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