Aurora Innovation has reached a major milestone in the development of self-driving trucks, announcing that the Aurora Driver autonomous system has all the features required to haul freight without vehicle operators.
The Aurora Driver system is currently in Beta 6.0 and has been updated with dozens of new capabilities over the last 18 months to increase its abilities and safety. It was recently updated with a piece of tech that allows it to identify and respond to collisions it may have with other vehicles or property. It can also detect and respond to extreme and unexpected weather events, notifying a Command Center Specialist of the best way to proceed.
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The company plans to begin autonomous hauling operations between Dallas and Houston by the end of 2024. Over the past six months, Aurora has been working with the U.S. Border Patrol to ensure that its self-driving trucks can navigate inland checkpoints located 25 to 100 miles from the U.S.’s southern and northern borders. Aurora plans to expand to one of these checkpoints, which is located on a route between El Paso and Fort Worth.
Prior to an Aurora truck reaching a checkpoint, the company provides Border Patrol information showing anticipated arrival times, the number of occupants onboard, and trailer identification. As the truck approaches, flashing lights direct it to the middle or right of three available lanes. The truck’s systems can then read unique signs that either clear them to proceed or to stop for inspection. A pilot program has been carried out at the Sierra Blanca checkpoint east of El Paso.
“From day one, we made foundational technology investments and strategic decisions that have helped us reach this pivotal moment,” Aurora co-founder and chief executive Chris Urmson said. “We are now positioned to close our Safety Case for launch, the final step to achieving Aurora Driver Ready later this year. As we mature operations in advance of the launch of Aurora Horizon, our customers will continue to experience the value autonomy can bring to their businesses.”
