While we’re still fighting potholes and dodgy loads here in Mzansi, the oke’s overseas are busy building trucks that don’t even need a driver! Ja, serious stuff, boet.
Daimler Truck has now started delivering the latest autonomous-ready version of their Cascadia Freightliner to Torc Robotics in the USA.
This new model is based on the fifth-generation Cascadia – North America’s best-selling heavy truck – and it’s been redesigned with over 1,500 upgrades to handle self-driving tech properly.
Key changes include redundant braking and steering systems (so if one fails, the backup kicks in), and a fancy integrated power network to make sure all systems stay running safely.
Daimler reckons this sets a new industry standard for plugging in autonomous systems.
The ultimate goal? Daimler and Torc are pushing hard to have fully self-driving (Level 4) trucks hauling freight between specific hubs by 2027.
Level 4 means no human hands needed, just sit back and let the machine do the work — but only in set areas, not everywhere.
Right now, they’re testing these rigs across Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and even a new lane on the I-35 between Dallas and Laredo.
Torc also secured a massive autonomous operations hub in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for freight testing and future customer launches.
Read | Toyota and Daimler To Merge Truck Operations Under New Holding Company
At the moment, the autonomous Cascadias are diesel-powered, but Daimler’s not ignoring the greenies.
Last year they also showed off the Freightliner eCascadia, a fully electric self-driving truck, showing where things are headed long-term.
It’s far off for us here in South Africa – with our roads, rules, and, let’s be honest, a few too many cowboy drivers – but it’s still jaw-dropping to see how fast tech is changing the trucking game.
Makes you think… will we ever see an autonomous Actros hauling across the N3? Maybe one day, china! Read more on Daimler Truck website
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