Daimler’s Torc Robotics Turns The Open Road Into Self-Driving Truck Testing Grounds

After completing months of testing of its Level 4 autonomous driving system on a closed-loop track, Torc Robotics’ next step is validation on the open road.

Torc Robotics is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks and was acquired earlier this year for an undisclosed sum. The Blacksburg, Virginia-based company retains its name, but is now part of Daimler Trucks Autonomous Technology Group where its SAE Level 4 autonomous system is being used to develop and commercialize self-driving trucks for the manufacturer.

SAE Level 4 self-driving vehicles are considered “highly autonomous,” but are still equipped with controls in the event a driver needs to assume control of the vehicle. Even though the vehicles are able to pilot themselves, these test runs will be overseen by an engineer monitoring the autonomous system and a safety driver that has a commercial driver’s license and is trained in vehicle dynamics and automated systems.

Test routes will begin on highways in southwest Virginia where the company is based. Torc Robotics joins other self-driving truck companies, such as TuSimple and Embark, in moving its technology out of the research stage and into the “real-world.”