Volvo, Aurora Collaborate to Launch Self- Driving Trucks 

Volvo is collaborating with Aurora Innovation to introduce its Volvo VNL autonomous truck, which is expected to hit the highways during this summer. 

The self-driving truck was unveiled at the ACT Expo held in Las Vegas. Aurora is planning to start using these trucks for freight operations in the coming months. At the beginning, the trucks will be operating autonomously, but a human safety operator will be present in case an intervention is needed. 

According to an Aurora spokesperson, the company intends to launch pilot programs showing customers using the Volvo VNL truck.  

During which, the Swedish automaker revealed that it has already started manufacturing an experimental model of these trucks at its New River Valley assembly facility in Virginia. 

Aligning with Aurora’s goal – to market self-driving trucks by the end of 2024 – the company plans to initially transport freight between Dallas and Houston, using up to 20 driverless Class 8 trucks, eliminating the need for human drivers. However, it did not disclose any information related to whether the first fleet will include trucks from Volvo or its partner Paccar. 

Time to Commercialize the Tech 

Conversely, Aurora is under pressure to commercialize its technology, given that it is one of the few autonomous trucks manufacturers remaining in the market. Other competitors, such as Waymo Via and TuSimple, have either ceased their operations or redirected their focus away from the U.S.  

It is worth mentioning that the Pennsylvania-based company has also faced financial challenges, leading to a 3% reduction of its workforce this year. 

The competition in the market has decreased, leaving Aurora with other companies like Einride, Torc, and Kodiak Robotics. Therefore, its partnership with Volvo, which initiated in March 2021, is a crucial part of its strategy to commercialize autonomous trucking. It has also launched pilot programs with major logistics companies such as FedEx, Ryder, Schneider, and Uber Freight. 

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