Autonomous

Autonomous autos are advancing so rapidly that companies such as Uber Technologies Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Waymo are beginning to offer robot rides to everyday consumers. But it turns out the traveling public may not be ready.

TT's Seth Clevenger is joined by ATA President and CEO Chris Spear and consultant Richard Bishop to address the progress toward autonomous driving -- how soon will it become a reality and in what form?

Automakers — and aspiring automakers — are seeking permission to put more experimental self-driving cars on the road to speed their development.

Legislation pertaining to self-driving vehicles would need to prioritize safety, and promote innovation, senators crafting the measure announced ahead of a hearing on the matter.

Uber Technologies Inc. CEO Travis Kalanick told staff he plans to take a leave of absence, without disclosing a return date. The company will strip him of some duties and appoint an independent chair to limit his influence after a slew of scandals, according to an advance copy of a report prepared for the board.

After years toiling away in secret on its car project, Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook has for the first time laid out exactly what the company is up to in the automotive market: It’s concentrating on self-driving technology.

Volvo Trucks developed a self-steering truck to assist Brazilian sugar-cane growers in harvesting their crops.

Technological advances are hitting the industry like a giant wave, Paul Dittmann, executive director of the Global Supply Chain Institute at the University of Tennessee, said.

BHP Billiton, the world’s biggest mining company, is studying the introduction of giant automated cargo ships to carry everything from iron ore to coal as part of a strategic shift that may disrupt the $334 billion global shipping industry.

Legislation to allow automated vehicles on Texas roads beginning Sept. 1 has overwhelmingly passed the Texas House and Senate and was awaiting the governor’s signature.