Self-Driving Truck Set for German Roads
Engineering360 News Desk | August 28, 2015Daimler's self-driving 18-wheeler “Future Truck” will soon be driving in traffic in Germany.
The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in Stuttgart, Germany has granted Daimler permission to put its trucks on the motorways in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg.
(Read "Self-Driving Truck Granted License in Nevada.")
"This truck provides compelling answers to the challenges that our customers will be facing in the future,” says Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler board member for trucks and buses. “Our aim therefore is to press forward with readying this technology for the market and to bring it to series-production standard."
The truck uses a combination of assistance systems like sensors, cameras and steering intervention to drive itself. The system also includes a 3D digital map, and can communicate with other connected vehicles to exchange information.
The company is also developing a new technology called "blind spot assist," which uses radar sensors to monitor the sides of the truck and alert the driver to the presence of other cars or trucks that might not be immediately visible.
A driver will remain in the cab while the vehicle is in motion, and can take control of the vehicle if ever necessary.
This will be the first time self-driving trucks will be allowed in everyday traffic in Germany.