Aurora Innovation, a California-based self-driving technology company, has begun testing autonomous trucks to haul FedEx loads between Dallas and Houston.
The pilot marks the next phase of a partnership between FedEx, Aurora – a leading autonomous technology developer – and PACCAR – one of the largest medium-and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers in the world. As a first-of-its-kind agreement, the three trucking firms said they will work together to accelerate the development and scaled deployment of autonomous driving technology
“FedEx was built on innovation, and we always anticipate what’s next to be future-ready,” said Rebecca Yeung, vice president, advanced technology and innovation, FedEx Corporation. “This is an exciting, industry-first collaboration that will work toward enhancing the logistics industry through safer, more efficient transportation of goods.”
Paccar Chief Technology Officer John Rich said “There’s nothing that will be more transformational” to the trucking industry’s economics than the possibility of removing drivers.
The fleet of a dozen trucks, owned by Aurora, will be used for “several trips per week” on the 500-mile round-trip route while hauling real, revenue-earning loads, an Aurora spokesperson said. The company has outfitted the Paccar-built trucks with its driverless technology, which includes sensors, cameras, radars and additional software.