Torc Robotics, a company known for self-driving truck technology and part of Daimler Truck AG, has reached an important milestone. The company successfully tested its driverless trucks on a closed course. This test brings Torc closer to their goal of launching fully autonomous trucks by 2027.
Testing Driverless Trucks at Highway Speeds
Torc’s driverless trucks were tested on a multi-lane course at speeds of up to 65 mph. Testing at full speed helped improve fuel efficiency and showed the trucks could handle real-world driving conditions. This was not just a demonstration but a sign that Torc’s trucks are almost ready for large-scale use.
The tests combined many systems, including artificial intelligence (AI), safety features, and production-ready hardware. Torc’s Chief Technology Officer, CJ King, spoke about the importance of the breakthrough:
“Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly been the biggest buzzword of the year, but real-world uses are few and far between. Autonomous trucking is one of the most concrete applications for AI that can drive demonstrated revenue, business value, and industry transformation – and Torc is at the forefront of creating a safe autonomous solution with safety, scalability, and cost efficiency top of mind.”
Committed to Safety and Reliability
Safety is at the heart of Torc’s testing process. The company worked to ensure its driverless trucks meet high safety standards and perform reliably. These tests show that the trucks are ready to move from development to being prepared for use on the road.
“This is a key moment in our mission to build a profitable, scalable business as the world’s leading autonomous solution,” said Peter Vaughan Schmidt, CEO of Torc Robotics. “We observed impressive reliability in our repeated driverless runs, which leveraged Torc’s unparalleled embedded and integrated platform on Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia.”
Getting Driverless Trucks Ready for 2027
With these tests complete, Torc Robotics is on track to release its autonomous trucks by 2027. The company plans to use a hub-to-hub model, where trucks will operate between major freight hubs. This approach is expected to make long-haul trucking safer and more cost-effective.
Torc’s trucks will use its custom AI software integrated into Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia platform, combining cutting-edge technology with trusted trucking systems.
About Torc Robotics
Torc Robotics, based in Blacksburg, Virginia, was founded in 2005 and has been a leader in self-driving technology for nearly 20 years. The company is part of Daimler Truck AG and focuses on developing autonomous trucks for the U.S. market.
Torc runs test centers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with engineering offices in Austin, Texas; Stuttgart, Germany; and Montreal, Canada. The company aims to create a reliable, safe, and affordable self-driving truck solution that meets the needs of long-haul carriers.
Vincent ShakirOctober 30, 20242 Mins read1.5k
