Autonomous

Automated driving technology company Plus has been ramping up on-road testing of autonomous heavy-duty trucks in the United States and Europe in cooperation with Traton Group’s commercial truck brands.   

The crowded field of developers in the autonomous truck space has winnowed during the past year. Those that remain continue to lay the foundation for large-scale industry adoption. 

Autonomous trucking, once regarded as the stuff of science fiction, is gradually moving closer to viability in real-world freight operations after years of investment, development and on-road testing.

The start of commercial operations for factory-built autonomous Class 8 tractors by Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Aurora Innovation is due in a matter of days.

Rotor Technologies has built two autonomous Sprayhawk helicopters and aims to have as many as 20 ready for market next year. For now, Rotor is focused on the agriculture sector.

Members of President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team have told advisers they plan to make a federal framework for fully self-driving vehicles a Transportation Department priority.

Autonomous vehicle maker Cruise has admitted to a federal charge and agreed to pay a $500,000 fine in connection with a crash last year involving one of its vehicles that left a person injured.

Pony.ai Inc. is looking to raise as much as $195 million from its U.S. initial public offering as automotive-related companies lead a modest pickup in Chinese listings.

Zoox’s self-driving vehicles began rolling out in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood this week, and are expected to compete with robotaxis designed by Waymo.

Waymo on Nov. 12 opened its robotaxi service to anyone who wants a ride around Los Angeles, marking another milestone in the evolution of self-driving car technology.