Aurora launches second-generation driverless trucks to expand autonomous freight
Key takeaways
- Aurora launched second-generation driverless Class 8 trucks for its commercial network.
- The new generation pairs Aurora hardware with International LT Series trucks.
- Roush aims to reach a production run-rate of 1,000 Aurora-equipped trucks this year.
- The Aurora Driver completed nearly 440,000 driverless miles before the new fleet launch.
Aurora recently launched its second-generation driverless trucks to expand its commercial autonomous freight network. The company, which develops self-driving freight technology through its Aurora Driver system, plans to deploy the trucks across its 10 driverless routes in the U.S. Sun Belt to serve additional customers.
The new fleet is based on the International LT Series truck and uses Aurora's next-generation hardware, which is designed to last one million miles while providing increased computing capability. Before deployment, Aurora completed its Safety Case process for the new truck platform and hardware, allowing operations on public roads without a person behind the wheel.
By the end of June, Aurora Driver-powered trucks completed nearly 440,000 driverless miles. The company also cited growing commercial demand, including Hirschbach Motor Lines' plan to purchase 500 Aurora Driver-powered trucks.
Manufacturing partner Roush is integrating Aurora's next-generation hardware and redundant systems into the new trucks at a dedicated production facility. The companies also established an upfit process intended to support an annual production run-rate of 1,000 Aurora-equipped trucks later this year.
Aurora plans to debut the second-generation trucks during a livestream on July 23.
“Last year’s driverless launch proved our technology could operate safely on public roads—our new platform now provides the foundation to deliver at scale,” Chris Urmson, CEO and co-founder of Aurora, said. “Deploying our second-generation truck allows us to put hundreds of autonomous trucks on the road and ultimately into the hands of more customers.”
What this means for the trucking industry
Aurora's second-generation platform signals a shift from limited autonomous deployments toward larger-scale commercial operations. Expanding production capacity and increasing the number of driverless trucks on established freight routes could give fleets evaluating autonomous technology additional opportunities to monitor how these systems perform in real-world freight applications.
