Luminar Technologies has partnered with Daimler Trucks to enable “highly automated trucking starting on highways,” according to the company. Torc Robotics, part of Daimler Trucks Autonomous Tech group, is collaborating with Luminar to bring series-produced, highly automated trucks (SAE Level 4) to roads globally. The teams will work closely together in order to enhance lidar sensing, perception, and system-level performance for Daimler trucks moving at highway speeds. Daimler has also acquired a minority stake in Luminar.
The autonomous trucks are expected to yield “dramatic improvements in efficiency and safety of logistics, with an initial focus on long-haul routes on highways,” according to the company. This enables the technology to be commercially deployed in series production on nearer team time frames compared to urban autonomous driving development.
The partnership between Luminar and Daimler Trucks will extend beyond providing critical automotive technology solutions. The companies will also collaborate on safety standards and operating practices, and make future policy advancements and safety enhancements as a result of the joint program.
