The introduction of autopilot systems on mainline freight road transport promises almost more benefits than a similar action in the segment of cars passenger. Of course, the profession truckers this side of technical progress will put on the brink of extinction, but for users of transport services the picture is more rosy. Automatic driving has smoother acceleration and deceleration, helping to save fuel. Move these trucks will be able to a significant portion of the day, taking breaks only for refueling and maintenance.
Not surprisingly, the creation of trucks with automatic control work not only the leading automakers. As Reuters reports, coming from the Google, which this corporation working in the automotive and map directions, founded the company Otto, planned to pass several trucks with "autopilot" in trial operation on the roads northern California at the end of this year. The following year, the number of test must be measured in hundreds. Otto has traded owners of small transport companies that are interested in installing the "autopilot" on their trucks. The first prototypes will use serial Volvo tractor with attachments. In the long term, according to the company's founders, the driver must be able to leave the workplace during the movement to stay within the cabin recreation area.
Equipped with automatic trucks will be able to pass on day twice the distance. They will not impose restrictions on the regime of work and rest. Otto company was founded in May this year, its staff has increased from 40 to 90 people, and the number of working prototypes reached five pieces.
According to the representative of this business, the trucks will be able to work without drivers 5-10 years. First, learn to drive trucks on the highway, where the number of controlled automation factors are not as high as in urban traffic. But the city freight must travel under the supervision of a person.
One of the "fathers" Google autopilot, Chris Urmson after seven and a half years of work on the project announced his retirement from the Internet giant. Judging by the comments Urmsona, Google autopilot system is already close to the stage where it goes from a scientific experiment in the phase of preparation for implementation. In this situation, Chris considers his mission accomplished, and ready to focus on new research. Related Products :
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