Selling autonomy: Practical realities meet fully robotic aspirations

Two approaches dominate autonomous trucking: Keep working toward a flawless system that replaces the human driver with a robot. Or market what works today and keep striving for driverless operation.

All developers of high-autonomy Level 4 commercial trucks run real-world miles. Many haul freight on selected routes with safety drivers on board in case something goes wrong. TuSimple generated $1.5 million in revenue from supervised runs on its Autonomous Freight Network in Q2.

Repackaging for use...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/selling-autonomy-practical-realities-meet-fully-robotic-aspirations

Truck Talk: Autonomous range-finding edition

This week we’re looking at the plethora of lidar companies chasing autonomous vehicle business; asking three questions of Torc Robotics CEO Michael Fleming; and circling the globe with new business announcements. Plus, some people, places and things. Starting next Friday, Truck Talk will be delivered by email if you subscribe at: https://www.freightwaves.com/truck-talk.

Business for all?

Lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging, is a critical element of autonomous vehicles. The...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/truck-talk:-autonomous-range-finding-edition

Chinese investors join $200M funding round for autonomous startup Plus

Self-driving truck technology developer Plus has completed its Series B funding round, pulling in $200 million from returning backers and new investors from China. In total, Plus has raised nearly $400 million.

The new investors include Hong Kong-listed Guotai Junan International, China’s leading securities firm, and Wanxiang, a top Chinese automotive components supplier. SAIC, China’s largest carmaker; and Full Truck Alliance, the world’s largest trucking platform serving more than 10 million...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/led-by-chinese-investors-self-driving-truck-startup-plus-raises-200m