Former Google Engineer Strives to Create Self-driving Tractor Trailers
The heavy duty trucking industry just may be in for a big overhaul if a new startup, Ottomotto, has success with plans to build autonomous driving 18-wheelers.
Spearheading the effort is an engineer who was a major player in Google’ self-driving car project at Alphabet. Now, according to recent reports, he has launched a Silicon Valley startup that plans to retrofit Class 8 truck with autonomous-driving technology.
The engineer is, according to The Wall Street Journaal, Anthony Levandowski. He is also joined by by another former Alphabet employee with likeminded engineering and mapping talents.
As a starting point, the initiative, which is reportedly self-funded has begun testing three Volvo AB trucks. Daimler, , Volvo, and other manufacturers are also working on the same type of technology.
Challenges, naturally abound. But that’s what makes it so enticing. Only a few states sanction fully autonomous commercial trucks.
Ottomotto joins a growing list of companies attempting to jump start autonomous driving, both in the consumer and commercial marketplaces.
Apple, for example, recently invested $1 billion into Chinese ride-sharing company and Uber Technologies competitor, Didi Chuxing Technology Co., a move that could help the iPhone maker’s work on an autonomous electric vehicle.
GM is also in the game.
Category: Telematics
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