The deployment of driverless semi trucks on Interstate 45 in Texas has sparked significant concern among truckers. Aurora Innovation has begun operating these autonomous trucks without drivers on board, stretching between Houston and Dallas.
What's happening: This week marks the start of these commercial driverless trucks, thanks to Aurora's perceived completion of a safety case to demonstrate road readiness. They are hauling freight for partner companies along the bustling Texas interstate.
- The trucks operate without human intervention and cover substantial distances, marking a first for such technology on public roads in America.
Deep skepticism: The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) voices ongoing doubts about the safety claims made by Aurora. Despite safety briefs and 1,200 miles of prior testing, skepticism persists.
- OOIDA points out the limitations of simulations and supervised testing, which can't capture the diverse real-world conditions trucks face.
- Concerns focus on potential risks like 'phantom braking,' where autonomous vehicles might brake without reason, posing dangers, especially for heavy trucks.
State of play: The driverless trucks are now publicly sharing the roads with commuters. "Commuters on I-45 did not sign up to be in a science experiment," said OOIDA Director of Communications George O’Connor.
What's next: Aurora's move forward is a historic step, but it raises questions about safety and readiness for full road integration.
Reported by BusinessWire, these trucks underscore ongoing debates on autonomy in the trucking industry.