Torc Robotics performs autonomous product validation runs

Torc Robotics has begun validation runs of its autonomous truck technology on a closed course. (Photo: Torc Robotics)

Torc Robotics, the Blacksburg, Va.-based subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG working to commercialize self-driving vehicle technology, said it has begun the validation of its autonomous trucks without a driver in a multi-lane closed-course environment.

Conducted speeds of up to 65 mph to optimize fuel efficiency, Torc said its driverless product acceptance test underscores the company’s evolution to having a marketable product, further positioning it to scale and commercialize autonomous trucking solutions by 2027.

Unlike a demo, the company said this milestone highlights its entry into scalable product release, with the company’s applied artificial intelligence (AI) technology, system architecture, production-intent embedded hardware and safety engineering converging to shape a product that prioritizes true software best practices and safer roadways.

Torc’s has embedded and integrated its technology platform on Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia. (Photo: Torc Robotics)

“Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly been the biggest buzzword of the year, but real-world uses are few and far between. Autonomous trucking is one of the most concrete applications for AI that can drive demonstrated revenue, business value and industry transformation – and Torc is at the forefront of creating a safe autonomous solution with scalability and profitability top of mind,” said Torc Chief Technology Officer, CJ King. “With our long-standing tenure in the autonomous space, this milestone reinforces Torc’s safety-focused commitment to driving the future of freight.”

Torc said the product validation milestone exemplifies its commitment to safety and maturity standards, marking a critical step from advanced engineering and development to full productization on a unified, embedded platform.

“This is a key moment in our mission to build a profitable, scalable business as the world’s leading autonomous solution,” said CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt. “We observed impressive reliability in our repeated driverless runs, which leveraged Torc’s unparalleled embedded and integrated platform on Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia. We look forward to unlocking the full value of autonomous driving software for customers who prioritize safety, operations costs, ease of use and reliability.”

Founded in 2005, Torc Robotics became an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG in 2019. It operates test facilities in Albuquerque, N.M., and engineering offices in Austin, Texas; Stuttgart, Germany; and Montreal, Quebec, Canada.