Embark uses machine learning to reconstruct a model of the world using only its sensors. rather than having to map the routes ahead of time. (Photo: Embark)
Embark uses machine learning to reconstruct a model of the world using only its sensors. rather than having to map the routes ahead of time. (Photo: Embark)
Embark uses machine learning to reconstruct a model of the world using only its sensors. rather than having to map the routes ahead of time. (Photo: Embark)
Embark uses machine learning to reconstruct a model of the world using only its sensors. rather than having to map the routes ahead of time. (Photo: Embark)
Embark uses machine learning to reconstruct a model of the world using only its sensors. rather than having to map the routes ahead of time. (Photo: Embark)

Embark completes automated coast-to-coast truck trip

Feb. 7, 2018
Embark has completed a coast-to-coast trip across the United States with an automated truck.

Embark announced it has completed a coast-to-coast trip across the United States with an automated truck.

The truck, which had a driver at the wheel at all times, completed a 2,400-mile journey along Interstate 10 from Los Angeles to Jacksonville, FL. An estimated $100 billion of freight travels this corridor annually.

Embark said in a statement this successful trip addresses a criticism of self-driving trucks that mapping the long distances traveled by automated trucks would act as a barrier to expansion.

Embark said the trip was completed without high-resolution maps that have become standard in self-driving. Instead, Embark uses machine learning to reconstruct a model of the world using only its sensors in real time. As a result it could complete the cross-country trip without having to first pre-map the entire route.

Late last year, Embark began moving refrigerators for Electrolux along what it called “the world’s longest automated freight route from Los Angeles to El Paso, TX.”

“When we announced our Los Angeles to El Paso route we promised that was the just first stage of a much larger expansion.” said Embark CEO Alex Rodrigues. “The coast-to-coast demonstration we completed today is four times longer than our El Paso route, which was already the longest in the world.”

About the Author

Neil Abt

Neil Abt, editorial director at Fleet Owner, is a veteran journalist with over 20 years of reporting experience, including 15 years spent covering the trucking industry. A graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., he began his career covering sports for The Washington Post newspaper, followed by a position in the newsroom of America Online (AOL) and then both reporting and leadership roles at Transport Topics. Abt is based out of Portland, Oregon.

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