Daimler Starts Testing Semi-Autonomous Trucks On U.S. Roads

Daimler has started testing semi-autonomous trucks on selected highways in Oregon and Nevada.

The trucks are being tested ‘platooning’ where one truck follows another thanks to the German manufacturer’s self-driving and connected vehicle technologies. Platooning is not meant to replace human truck drivers but is instead used to help drivers by reducing fatigue.

Each semi-autonomous truck being tested incorporates WiFi-based vehicle-to-vehicle communication that works alongside Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Assist and Active Brake Assist 4. When one truck is following another, the use of vehicle-to-vehicle communication means the system can automatically react to changes up the road in around 0.2-0.3 seconds, much faster than a human.

Daimler began testing its platooning technologies during a number of trials at its proving ground in Madras, Oregon. It then received regulatory approval from the Oregon Department of Transportation to begin testing the systems on public roads.

While the technology is already exceptional safe, regulations in the U.S. and Europe prevent it from being used by drivers. However, the company says it will be ready to roll-out platooning features as soon as the laws are changed.