Nils Jaeger further says that for a large-scale deployment of autonomy, in addition to the autonomous truck, there must also be, “a coherent and seamless supporting network of surrounding infrastructure, creating a comprehensive autonomous ecosystem that enables daily operations.” To ensure uptime for future autonomous fleets, V.A.S. has also leveraged the industry expertise of Bruckners Truck & Equipment, along with other key Volvo Trucks dealers across Texas, to create key support and service points for the Volvo VNL Autonomous.
Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation for DHL Supply Chain North America, added:
“Autonomy is a key enabler in driving digital transformation in the logistics industry by providing reliable long-haul capability. Our long-standing partnership with Volvo has been instrumental in aligning their autonomous transportation solutions with our 24/7 operational requirements. Volvo’s legacy of safety and relentless pursuit of innovation make them an ideal partner in our journey to increase truck efficiency and deliver greater value to our customers.”
Uncompromising Commitment to Safety
The press release notes that the Volvo VNL Autonomous, “maintains Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety and is designed from the ground up with built-in redundancy for critical systems.”
In autonomous trucks, redundancy replaces the backup provided by a human driver with systems that can automatically take control in the rare event that primary systems encounter problems, ensuring safe operation.
The safety strategy is further strengthened by Volvo’s close partnership with Aurora, whose sophisticated and robust technology enables the Volvo VNL Autonomous to safely navigate the world around it. The Aurora Driver is equipped with powerful sensors, including high-resolution cameras, imaging radar and a proprietary long-range radar that enables safe autonomous operation at highway speeds.
Cutting-edge Technology – Assembled in the world’s largest Volvo Truck factory
Volvo’s and Aurora’s engineering teams have worked closely together to integrate the Volvo VNL Autonomous and the Aurora Driver, an SAE L4 autonomous driving system. The Aurora Driver consists of powerful AI software, dual computers, proprietary lidar that can detect objects more than 400 meters away, high-resolution cameras, imaging radar, and additional sensors, enabling the Volvo VNL Autonomous to safely navigate the world around it.
“Powered by the Aurora Driver, the new Volvo VNL Autonomous is the realization of our shared vision,” said Sterling Anderson, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Aurora. “This truck combines Aurora’s leading self-driving technology with Volvo’s best-in-class truck, designed specifically for autonomy, making it a must-have for any transport provider that wants to strengthen and grow their business.”
The Aurora Driver has been extensively trained and tested in Aurora’s sophisticated virtual suite where it’s driven billions of miles. It also has driven 1.5 million commercial miles on public roads, where it deftly navigates end-to-end trucking routes traversing highways, rural roadways, and surface streets day and night and through good and bad weather.
Building a viable autonomous truck at scale requires extensive manufacturing experience and a proven procurement eco-system. The Volvo VNL Autonomous is assembled at Volvo’s flagship New River Valley (NRV) plant in Dublin, Virginia. As the largest Volvo Trucks plant in the world, NRV’s decades of high-volume production experience combined with stringent automotive quality processes will result in the capability to produce the Volvo VNL Autonomous at industry demand.
Investing in the future of freight
Autonomous solutions have the undeniable potential to revolutionize the transportation industry by lowering operating costs, increasing efficiency and increasing safety. With 24/7 capabilities, autonomous transportation can accelerate delivery times and optimize supply chains, promoting a more resilient transportation network.
“Autonomous trucks can also offer drivers new opportunities, such as remote monitoring and fleet management while addressing ongoing work challenges,” said Monkmeyer. “In addition, autonomous trucks can reduce the physical and mental strain on drivers, leading to improved quality of life and increased job satisfaction.”
He added that strategic partnerships such as V.A.S. and DHL Supply Chain, “is critical to leveraging resources and expertise to gain regulatory and public trust and acceptance of autonomous technologies – and ultimately to deliver the full promise of autonomy.”
The solutions developed by Volvo Autonomous Solutions are tailored to each customer’s needs and aim to make their operations safer, more productive and sustainable.
