Uber and Waymo Team Up to Put Driverless Cargo Trucks on the Road in the US

The idea is for the two companies to create a freight platform that mixes human and robot truckers.

Uber and Waymo, the autonomous vehicle unit of the Googleannounced this Tuesday, the 7th, that they are working together to put driverless cargo trucks on the roads of United States.

Due to the long distances between cities in that country, the two companies see autonomous driving as an alternative to cut costs and minimize risks in the cargo transport sector, which is fundamental to the economy.

Waymo will allow its technology to intertwine with an Uber freight platform that connects truckers with shipments in a new way for users to schedule freight on mobile apps.

“Uber’s network of carriers and freighters and e-commerce technology are a great match for Waymo Driver,” Charlie Jatt, head of truck marketing, said in a statement.

Carriers that purchase trucks equipped with Waymo systems will be able to choose to have their vehicles deployed with “autonomous features” on Uber’s charging network, the companies said.

Uber and Waymo are also jointly looking at the potential for exploring niches where freight is easily transferred from self-driving trucks to trucks driven by people.

“The two companies envision a future where self-driving trucks become part of long-haul transport, alleviating some of the growing demand for freight and allowing drivers to transition to short-haul jobs.”

But before self-driving trucks are allowed on American highways, they still need to pass several tests to ensure they are safe.

Waymo has been testing self-driving trucks in several US states. “Uber’s efficient, extensive and reliable digital freight network is essential to making self-driving trucks a reality,” explained unit head Lior Ron.

According to the company’s latest earnings reports, this division has been growing steadily.

Source: AFP