Aurora Launched Driverless Trucks Operating at Night

• Aurora has launched driverless trucks that operate at night.
• The company has opened a new terminal in Phoenix.
• It plans to expand its fleet to hundreds of driverless trucks by 2026.

Aurora Innovation announced the expansion of its commercial operations, having launched driverless trucks that operate during the day and at night. As of the end of June, the company has surpassed 20,000 driverless miles and expanded its fleet to three trucks. The new terminal in Phoenix was opened in June, supporting the company's plans for development in the Sonoran Desert region of the United States.

The General Director of Aurora Chris Urmson stated that driverless trucks could shorten delivery times on long routes, particularly on the corridor between Dallas and Houston, which requires transport over a distance of more than 600 miles. This technology also increases safety on the roads, as more than 37% of fatal accidents involving large trucks occur at night.

Aurora utilizes its own lidar technology, which allows trucks to detect objects at a distance of up to 450 meters in darkness. This system ensures a quick reaction to obstacles, enabling possible driverless deliveries at night. The next challenge for the company is operating driverless vehicles in rainy conditions.

Aurora plans to have dozens of driverless trucks on the roads by the end of the year, and by 2026 - hundreds. The company is already working on expanding its network of routes and fleet to achieve profitability.

Tags: Technology/Automotive