Latest news with #LewiePugh
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First Post
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- First Post
Americans can soon have driverless SUVs, Texas testing goes next level
Critics of self-driving technology say it remains vulnerable to cyberthreats, a lack of oversight and can lead to job reductions read more A revolution is underway in the USA's commercial driverless operations. For a change, Aurora Innovation, an autonomous trucking company, is planning to run its completely driverless semi-truck along a 200-mile stretch of I-45 between Dallas and Houston. So far, these companies have been testing their driverless technologies with backup safety drivers but this time, Aurora is going a step further. If the test remains successful, it can reshape the global trucking industry forever, and especially in the US where there is a shortage of skilled drivers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pittsburgh-based company has not shared much details about the project but it is expected to start rolling autonomous and driverless trucks slowly. It hopes to expand its fleet later, based on feedback and experiences. Volkswagen's big plans for autonomous vehicles German auto giant Volkswagen has also been working on self-driving technology for over a decade. Now, the company is set to launch its first driverless cars on Uber's ride service. This will begin with a robot taxi service for the public in Los Angeles in 2026. These vehicles will be electric minivans called VW ID Buzz. They will have special sensors and computer programs made by a part of VW called Moia that allow them to drive themselves. The longer version of the Buzz has space for at least seven people, so VW wants to get the most out of its ride service. The company plans to eventually have 'thousands' of these self-driving vehicles working in several cities across the US within the next ten years. VW will start trying out this service later in 2025. During this testing phase, there will still be human safety drivers in the cars. 'Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,' said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, in a statement. 'What really sets us apart is our ability to combine the best of both worlds — high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.' Concerns Critics of self-driving technology say it remains vulnerable to cyberthreats, a lack of oversight and can lead to job reductions. 'It's absurd that AVs, which are unproven and unmanned, are given more latitude on American highways than professional drivers with years of experience like me are given,' Lewie Pugh, the group's executive vice president, said in an interview. Critics say while autonomous driving companies are self-regulated, drivers are subjected to several federal rules which make them more reliable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, advocates say the driverless technology will help the industry, which remains strained by high driver turnover rates, supply chain inefficiencies and rising costs. 'The federal government is saying we have to move 50% more freight by 2050, but there's a shortage of drivers. How do I solve this puzzle with more freight to move and less drivers to do it?' said Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association.
Axios
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Axios
Driverless trucks are rolling in Texas, ushering in new era
Drivers along a 200-mile stretch of I-45 between Dallas and Houston should get ready for something new: the semi-truck in the next lane might not have anyone in the driver's seat. Why it matters: Autonomous trucking companies have been testing their fleets on Texas highways for several years, but always with backup safety drivers in the cab. Now, one company, Aurora Innovation, says it's ready to go completely driverless, a key milestone that promises to reshape the trucking industry. Driving the news: After years of development, Pittsburgh-based Aurora is launching commercial driverless operations this month on a popular freight route between Dallas and Houston. The first autonomous truck is expected to roll down I-45 in the coming days, although Aurora officials declined to share any details. The company has said it will begin slowly, with one truck, and will gradually expand the fleet over time. The big picture: Trucking is the backbone of the American economy, yet the industry is strained by high driver turnover rates, supply chain inefficiencies and rising costs. Autonomous trucks can help alleviate these challenges, advocates say. Critics, however, worry about inadequate safety oversight, cybersecurity threats and job reductions. What they're saying:"Everybody is looking at the same economics," Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, tells Axios. "The federal government is saying we have to move 50% more freight by 2050, but there's a shortage of drivers. How do I solve this puzzle with more freight to move and less drivers to do it?" The other side: Members of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association are skeptical of AV trucking companies' safety claims, especially since there are no federal regulations for AVs. "It's absurd that AVs, which are unproven and unmanned, are given more latitude on American highways than professional drivers with years of experience like me are given," Lewie Pugh, the group's executive vice president, said in an interview. AV companies are self-regulated, while drivers are subject to many federal rules. Drivers are required to take regular breaks for safety reasons, for example, while AV trucks can operate 24/7 — better efficiency, the industry argues. Where it stands: At least 10 companies are known to be developing driverless technology for trucks. Most expect to "pull the driver" — or go fully autonomous — on public roads later this year or sometime in 2026. They all plan to begin in Texas, known for its vital freight corridors, favorable regulatory policies and good weather. Kodiak Robotics, which intends to go public soon, says it has already surpassed 750 hours of driving on private roads across West Texas's Permian Basin without a human driver on board. How it works: Most AV companies plan to license their driverless technology to truck manufacturers. Those manufacturers then sell or lease the automated trucks to fleet customers. Under this "driver-as-a-service" model, those fleet customers pay for virtual drivers by the mile, but still manage their own logistics operations. Between the lines: Trucking and logistics providers have strong financial incentives for automation. The industry has struggled to attract enough long-haul drivers, despite big incentives, because of the grueling nature of the job. Without driver salaries, fleet operators could reduce their operating costs per mile by as much as 42 percent, according to a McKinsey analysis, even with the added costs of the AV technology and new operations centers to monitor the trucks remotely. What to watch: Autonomous heavy-duty trucks will account for 13 percent of trucks on U.S. roads in 2035, according to McKinsey projections.
