In case you didn’t hear about it, Daimler’s Freightliner Inspiration is the world’s first self-driving vehicle granted for use on public roads.
What sets apart this big truck from the others is the Highway Pilot System, which allows it to drive itself using a complex system of radar and cameras. You can even drive it like a regular truck when the road and its painted white lines are not in good shape.
That’s because the system won’t work if the road is in a poor condition, prompting the driver to take over control. The Verge had the chance of sitting on the passenger’s seat for a ride and experience first-hand this new technology, with a toned-down derivative already seen in the Mercedes S-Class.
Autonomous-driving tech is expected to pass gradually not only into future Mercedes models, with companies like Audi also developing their solution, scheduled to appear in the next Audi A8.
Daimler says that the Highway Pilot System helps in improving the fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and of course increase traffic safety. So far the State of Nevada has certified two Freightliner Inspiration trucks for regular operation on public roads.