Americans can soon have driverless SUVs, Texas testing goes next level

A revolution is underway in the USA’s commercial driverless operations. For a change, Aurora Innovation, an autonomous trucking company, is planning to run its completely driverless semi-truck along a 200-mile stretch of I-45 between Dallas and Houston.

So far, these companies have been testing their driverless technologies with backup safety drivers but this time, Aurora is going a step further. If the test remains successful, it can reshape the global trucking industry forever, and especially in the US where there is a shortage of skilled drivers.

The Pittsburgh-based company has not shared much details about the project but it is expected to start rolling autonomous and driverless trucks slowly. It hopes to expand its fleet later, based on feedback and experiences.

Volkswagen’s big plans for autonomous vehicles

German auto giant Volkswagen has also been working on self-driving technology for over a decade.

Now, the company is set to launch its first driverless cars on Uber’s ride service. This will begin with a robot taxi service for the public in Los Angeles in 2026.

These vehicles will be electric minivans called VW ID Buzz. They will have special sensors and computer programs made by a part of VW called Moia that allow them to drive themselves. The longer version of the Buzz has space for at least seven people, so VW wants to get the most out of its ride service. The company plans to eventually have “thousands” of these self-driving vehicles working in several cities across the US within the next ten years.

VW will start trying out this service later in 2025. During this testing phase, there will still be human safety drivers in the cars.

“Volkswagen is not just a car manufacturer—we are shaping the future of mobility, and our collaboration with Uber accelerates that vision,” said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, in a statement. “What really sets us apart is our ability to combine the best of both worlds — high-volume manufacturing expertise with cutting-edge technology and a deep understanding of urban mobility needs.”

Concerns

Critics of self-driving technology say it remains vulnerable to cyberthreats, a lack of oversight and can lead to job reductions.

“It’s absurd that AVs, which are unproven and unmanned, are given more latitude on American highways than professional drivers with years of experience like me are given,” Lewie Pugh, the group’s executive vice president, said in an interview.

Critics say while autonomous driving companies are self-regulated, drivers are subjected to several federal rules which make them more reliable.

However, advocates say the driverless technology will help the industry, which remains strained by high driver turnover rates, supply chain inefficiencies and rising costs.

“The federal government is saying we have to move 50% more freight by 2050, but there’s a shortage of drivers. How do I solve this puzzle with more freight to move and less drivers to do it?” said Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association.