Former Google Engineer Strives to Create Self-driving Tractor Trailers

The heavy duty trucking industry just may be in for a big overhaul if a new startup, Ottomotto, has success with plans to build autonomous driving 18-wheelers.

Spearheading the effort is an engineer who was a major player in Google’ self-driving car project at Alphabet.  Now, according to recent reports, he has launched a Silicon Valley startup that plans to retrofit Class 8 truck with autonomous-driving technology.

The engineer is, according to The Wall Street Journaal, Anthony Levandowski. He is also joined by by another former Alphabet employee with likeminded engineering and complementary mapping talents.

As a starting point, the initiative, which is reportedly self-funded, has begun testing three Volvo AB trucks. Daimler, , Volvo, and other manufacturers are also working on the same type of technology.

Challenges, naturally abound.  But that’s what makes it so enticing. Only a few states sanction fully autonomous commercial trucks.

Ottomotto joins a growing list of companies attempting to jump start autonomous driving, both in the consumer and commercial marketplaces.

Apple, for example, recently invested $1 billion into Chinese ride-sharing company and Uber Technologies competitor, Didi Chuxing Technology Co., a move that could help the iPhone maker’s work on an autonomous electric vehicle.

GM is also in the game.

Category: General Update