Daimler Trucks is working toward bringing SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks to roadways around the world, and recently announced a new partnership with autonomous vehicle sensor and software company Luminar to help make it happen.
Daimler Trucks, its U.S. subsidiary, Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) and Torc Robotics, part of Daimler Trucks’ Autonomous Technology Group, will work with Luminar to enhance LiDAR sensing, perception, and system-level performance for Daimler trucks operating at highway speeds, according to a news release. Daimler Trucks acquired a minority stake in Luminar to strengthen the partnership.
Initially, the trucks will focus on long-haul highway routes, allowing them to be commercially deployed in series production on nearer term time frames. Beyond working on automotive technology solutions, the companies will also address safety standards and operating practices. The goal is to make future policy advancements and safety enhancements through their work.
“Luminar has pioneered a critical enabling technology for bringing automated vehicles to the road, and we’re excited to work closely with them to drive this technology forward,” said Peter Vaughan Schmidt, head of the autonomous technology group at Daimler Trucks, according to the release. “Their company has proven visionary in its focus and unique ability to enable long-range sensing and high-speed driving on the highway. Our common goal is to enable safe deployment of highly automated trucks and shape the future of the trucking and logistics industry at large.”
