Torc, Schneider Partner on Level 4 Autonomy
[Stay on top of transportation news: Get TTNews in your inbox.]
Driverless technology company Torc Robotics and Schneider are preparing to launch a pilot program to further implement autonomous longhaul trucking, the companies announced Sept. 20.
Torc Robotics said the pilot program will utilize its autonomous test fleet. Schneider in turn will provide freight and insights on truckload operations that will help guide the development and ongoing commercialization of autonomous trucks for longhaul applications.
“Schneider is an undisputed leader in the industry,” Torc Robotics CEO Michael Fleming said. “Many of trucking’s best practices and breakthroughs stem from Schneider’s forward-thinking approach. This relationship with Schneider is a significant step for the operational development of our product as we continue to work toward a seamless integration with the existing freight industry.”
We are happy to announce a pilot program with @WeAreSchneider that will further operationalize Level 4 autonomy for long-haul #trucking . https://t.co/OQsM8pmjia#Torcdriven #autonomoustrucks #selfdrivingtrucks pic.twitter.com/bkzSSdSHEp — Torc Robotics (@torcrobotics) September 20, 2022
A Torc Autonomous Advisory Council was recently formed to involve key freight industry players in the process of developing driverless trucking technologies. The Schneider partnership was formed out of this council and aims to be multiphased.
“We see great potential for Torc’s autonomous technology to improve freight efficiencies while helping to lower cost,” said Rob Reich, executive vice president and chief administrative officer at Schneider. “Schneider is looking forward to providing Torc with the industry and operational knowledge needed to maximize the potential of autonomous trucks.”
The partnership started with initial scouting work that the companies have already completed. Now initial evaluation has commenced to ensure the technology is achieving the necessary requirements. The next steps include system integration and day-to-day commercial operation pilots throughout 2023 and beyond.
Schneider ranks No. 8 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America. — Transport Topics
Want more news? Listen to today's daily briefing below or go here for more info:
