Volvo VNL Autonomous — Paving the future of transportation?
Volvo Autonomous Solutions (V.A.S.) unveiled its groundbreaking production-ready autonomous truck, the Volvo VNL Autonomous, at the ACT Expo in Las Vegas today.
Source: https://bit.ly/3UK1boG
This milestone marks Volvo’s bold entry into the autonomous vehicle arena, combining their deep-rooted expertise in commercial vehicles with cutting-edge autonomous driving technology from Aurora Innovation (Nasdaq: AUR). The VNL Autonomous is designed and built specifically to revolutionize the freight industry across the United States.
Nils Jaeger, President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions, expressed enthusiasm about the launch: « We are pioneering a new method of goods transportation that enhances and expands the current capacity, fostering both trade and societal advancement. This truck is the cornerstone of our global autonomous technology platform, poised to roll out more models and extend autonomy across all Volvo Group truck brands and beyond. »
The strategic platform-based design allows Volvo to deploy its in-house developed virtual driver in confined settings and collaborate on highway-driving technologies.
Safety and Redundancy at the Core
Committed to addressing the industry’s capacity challenges, Volvo Autonomous Solutions emphasizes safety, sustainability, and efficiency. The Volvo VNL Autonomous features comprehensive redundancies across critical systems such as steering, braking, communication, computation, power management, and vehicle motion.
Shahrukh Kazmi, Chief Product Officer at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, highlighted the safety focus: « Our platform engineering strategy incorporates robust redundancy systems to handle emergencies effectively. By building the Volvo VNL Autonomous from scratch with these systems, we ensure heightened safety and reliability. »
Advanced Technology for Seamless Integration
The collaboration between Volvo’s and Aurora’s engineering teams has culminated in the integration of the VNL Autonomous with the Aurora Driver, a sophisticated SAE L4 autonomous driving system. Equipped with advanced AI software, dual computers, proprietary LiDAR capable of detecting objects over 400 meters away, high-resolution cameras, radar, and various sensors, the VNL Autonomous is engineered to navigate safely and effectively.
Sterling Anderson, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Aurora, stated, « Empowered by the Aurora Driver, our new Volvo VNL Autonomous embodies our shared vision, blending our leading self-driving technology with Volvo’s top-tier trucks designed for autonomy, essential for any transport provider looking to enhance their operations. » Geared for Commercial Scale
The Volvo VNL Autonomous will be manufactured at the New River Valley (NRV) plant in Dublin, Virginia, Volvo’s largest truck manufacturing facility globally. Leveraging decades of high-volume production and strict quality standards, NRV is equipped to meet the industry’s demand for the VNL Autonomous. Looking Forward: Broadening Customer Adoption and Societal Impact
Sasko Cuklev, Head of On-Road Solutions at Volvo Autonomous Solutions, outlined the strategic benefits: « The Volvo VNL Autonomous, integrated with the Aurora Driver, delivers a comprehensive autonomous solution for the Hub-to-Hub segment, simplifying operations for our customers while ensuring efficiency, safety, and reliability. »
Volvo Autonomous Solutions remains dedicated to enhancing transportation for all, addressing the long-standing driver shortage in the U.S. and promoting a healthier work-life balance for drivers through autonomy. The launch of the Volvo VNL Autonomous signifies a significant step towards the widespread adoption of autonomous transport, promising considerable benefits for society and the economy.