Driverless big rig robotrucks are now on the road in this state

Aurora, a pioneer in autonomous vehicles, has achieved a significant milestone by deploying its driverless trucks on Texas roads. This move signifies a major step forward in the evolution of transportation and raises important questions about safety, reliability, and the future of the trucking industry.

The driverless trucks are now operational on routes between Dallas and Houston, carrying commercial loads. This deployment is not just a test program but a full implementation of driverless technology. Additional trucks will soon be operating in New Mexico and Arizona, traveling at speeds ranging from 25 to 75 mph.

Safety is a top priority for Aurora, and the company has outlined five key principles in its 2025 Driverless Safety Report to ensure safe operation. These principles include proficiency, fail-safety, continuous improvement, resilience, and trustworthiness. Aurora utilizes high-resolution cameras, radar, and lidar to understand the environment, with their FirstLight lidar detecting objects from over 1,470 feet away, providing nearly nine seconds of reaction time at highway speeds.

Aurora’s fail-safe system incorporates multiple redundancies, and the company is committed to continuous improvement through regular software updates and incident reviews. With over 2.6 million miles driven autonomously and over 9,500 commercial freight loads hauled, Aurora boasts a nearly 100% on-time rate with no major safety incidents.

To ensure the safety of its autonomous trucks, Aurora undergoes a safety case evaluation method, similar to those used in the aviation and nuclear industries. A third-party audit by TÜV SÜD has validated Aurora’s safety management system, confirming alignment with SAE International’s level 4 and level 5 standards. This audit also commended Aurora’s safety culture and oversight practices.

However, industry voices, such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, have raised concerns about the safety of autonomous trucks. OOIDA questions Aurora’s safety claims and calls for mandatory, transparent oversight. The Teamsters highlight that the Aurora Driver may struggle in severe weather conditions and emphasize the importance of professional human drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an order requiring manufacturers and operators of vehicles with automated driving systems to report crashes, aiming to address safety concerns related to evolving technologies.

While autonomous trucks offer benefits such as increased efficiency and potentially safer roads, it is essential to monitor their development closely. Independent verification of safety claims and proactive measures to manage the impact on jobs are crucial. As driverless trucks become more prevalent, supporting the workers affected by this transition will be key.

Aurora’s deployment of autonomous trucks in Texas represents a significant advancement in transportation technology. The potential benefits are substantial, but it is vital to address safety and job displacement concerns. Independent safety assessments and proactive measures will be essential in building public trust in autonomous trucking technology.