TuSimple will equip its self-driving trucks with 4D lidar from Aeva to accelerate commercialization of next-generation transportation logistics.

Aeva’s 4D lidar uses frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) technology for automated driving. The lidar measures instantaneous velocity for each pixel without sunlight interference, while performing at long distances.

TuSimple is working with Volkswagen to develop autonomous systems for heavy duty trucks and is co-developing Level 4 self-driving trucks with Navistar with a production goal of 2024. Last year, the company launched a freight network with UPS, to be operational by 2024, which would reach the lower 48 states. Later, TuSimple plans to develop a similar rollout plan for Europe and self-driving trucks.

Aeva has engaged with 30 OEM and automotive industry players for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving. Aeva received investments from Porsche and has relationships with Denzo and other automotive companies.

Self-driving trucks are believed to be the next step for logistics because of an aging workforce of drivers, to improve safety of transportation and due to the increase in demand for e-commerce, which has only accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Autonomous trucks are a way to solve these challenges because trucks without a driver can operate more than double the hours every day, bringing down the cost of transportation and reducing the number of lives lost in preventable accidents every year.