Archive — US — techcrunch
Aurora lands McLane deal to run driverless truck routes in Texas
Aurora Innovation has secured a deal with McLane to operate driverless truck routes between Dallas and Houston, following a successful pilot program. The trucks will run autonomously without a human driver, only a 'human observer' will be in the cab. This marks a significant step towards commercializing Aurora's self-driving technology.
Key points
- Aurora Innovation partnered with McLane for driverless operations using autonomous trucks.
- The deal came after a multi-year pilot program where trucks had a human operator.
- Driverless trucks will transport goods between Dallas and Houston seven days a week.
- A 'human observer' will be in the cab, but will not operate the vehicle.
- Future plans include expanding to more routes in the U.S. Sun Belt by the end of the year.
- The agreement follows previous contracts, indicating Aurora's shift from developer to operator of autonomous technology.
Why it matters
- Aurora's agreement aligns with the growing trend of autonomous vehicle deployment in logistics and transportation.
- The trend is supported by advancements in AI and machine learning, reflecting significant interest in reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.
- Driverless technology is being increasingly explored as a solution to supply chain challenges exacerbated by current economic conditions.
The McLane deal is a pivotal moment for Aurora, showcasing the potential of driverless technology in logistics while addressing immediate industry needs for efficiency and cost reduction.