TuSimple is a self-driving trucking startup with some big ideas, and recently we’re starting to see just how big those ideas really are. After unveiling plans for a nationwide network of self-driving trucks in the US just a few months ago, TuSimple has now announced that it’s bringing its technology to Europe, through a new partnership with Volkswagen subsidiary Traton Group.
Last July, TuSimple unveiled its vision for a self-driving transportation network across the United States, following trials with the U.S. Postal Service and shipping giant UPS. UPS has taken a minority stake in TuSimple and is now partnering with the startup on a so-called self-driving freight network, with the two companies hoping to serve the entire contiguous United States by 2023.
The idea will take advantage of TuSimple’s Level 4 autonomous trucks, which, like other autonomous vehicles, are designed so that a computer is in control throughout the journey. TuSimple achieves this through its “virtual driver,” which relies on high-resolution cameras, radar and lidar to build up a 360-degree picture of its surroundings. Since its inception in 2015, TuSimple says it has now logged millions of kilometres of testing on public roads.
Tosimple
The recently announced partnership with Traton is similar to its agreement with UPS, with Traton also taking a minority stake in TuSimple. However, it is described as a global partnership to develop autonomous trucks, with the first docking port located 300 kilometres (186 miles) between the Swedish cities of Södertälje and Jönköping.
Here, Traton’s Scania trucks will be equipped with TuSimple’s level 4 autonomous driving systems and travel between hubs in either city. Traton hopes to build on this and conduct trials in Germany, as well as other countries, although no details have been provided about the timeline for the trials or the company’s wider plans.
“Our partnership with Traton Group accelerates the introduction of autonomous truck technology into new international markets, and we look forward to our global partnership,” said Cheng Lu, President of TuSimple. “Traton Group has an excellent reputation and has established a portfolio of world-class truck brands, and their strategic investment in TuSimple is a strong testament to our technology and approach.”
Source: TuSimple
