Self-Driving Semi Trucks Now Operating on Texas Highways

POV: You're passing this on I-45 and realize there’s no one inside

Could you imagine glancing over at an 18-wheeler you're passing up and see no driver in site? Well, that's officially the reality on Texas roads now.

This week, Aurora Innovation, a self-driving tech company, officially launched fully driverless commercial semi-truck operations. They are set to travel between Dallas and Houston on I-45.

That means yes, massive 18-wheelers loaded with freight are driving themselves down Texas highways with no human driving at all.

We've seen what can happen when self-driving rideshare vehicles in Austin get confused, how is this going to be with 18-wheelers?

Here's wat Aurora's trying to fix:

Aging driver workforce
High driver turnover
Skyrocketing operational costs
Freight delays and underused trucks

"Autonomous trucks aren’t just going to help grow our business – they’re also going to give our drivers better lives by handling the lengthier and less desirable routes," said Richard Stocking, CEO of Hirschbach Motor Lines.

How can an 18-wheeler drive itself?

Aurora Driver has already clocked over 3 million autonomous miles and completed more than 10,000 hauls. The system has proven it can handle real-world highway challenges.

Aurora Driver uses sensors that have the ability to see beyond the length of four football fields and can even spot pedestrians in the dark. It's also able to handle situations like emergancy vehicles and unpredictable drivers running red lights.

"Now, we are the first company to successfully and safely operate a commercial driverless trucking service on public roads,” said Chris Urmson, CEO and co-founder of Aurora.

Its Verifiable AI technology has proven the truck’s driverless decision is safe without a human behind the wheel.