Category: News - Page 5 - Torc Robotics

Daimler Truck subsidiary Torc Robotics achieves Driver-Out Validation Milestone

by Torc | Nov 4, 2024 | News

Torc has begun successful advanced validation of our autonomous trucks without a driver in a multi-lane closed-course environment.

Autonomous driving company, Torc Robotics, backed by Daimler Truck achieves driver-out capability on closed course in Texas as it works toward a 2027 commercial launch.

Conducted at full operating speed of up to 65 mph, the product acceptance test underscores Torc’s progress.

Joanna Buttler, Head of Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck, says: “The autonomous-ready Freightliner Cascadia with redundant safety features is an industry-first and lays the foundation for autonomous driving. Congratulations to Torc for successfully achieving driver-out capability on a closed course. This demonstrates the progress and integrated development between Daimler Truck and Torc as we focus on achieving driver out on public roads as the next milestone to make autonomous trucking at scale a reality.”

Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Germany / Portland, Oregon, USA / Blacksburg, Virginia, USA – Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck and a pioneer in self-driving vehicle technology, recently announced that it has successfully completed advanced validation of their driverless trucks in a multi-lane closed course environment in Texas earlier this year.

Conducted at full operating speed of up to 65 mph, the product acceptance test underscores Torc’s progress in autonomous driving capabilities and prepares the company to be able to scale and commercialize safe, robust autonomous trucking solutions by 2027. Unlike a demo, this milestone highlights Torc’s entry into scalable product release, with their applied artificial intelligence technology, system architecture, production-intent embedded hardware, and safety engineering converging to shape a product that prioritizes true software best practices and safer roadways for all.

This product validation milestone exemplifies Torc’s commitment to rigorous safety and maturity standards, marking a critical step from advanced engineering and development to full productization on a unified, embedded platform.

Joanna Buttler, Head of Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck, says: “The autonomous-ready Freightliner Cascadia with redundant safety features is an industry-first and lays the foundation for autonomous driving. Congratulations to Torc for successfully achieving driver-out capability on a closed course. This demonstrates the progress and integrated development between Daimler Truck and Torc as we focus on achieving driver out on public roads as the next milestone to make autonomous trucking at scale a reality.”

“This is a key moment in our mission to build a profitable, scalable business as the world’s leading autonomous solution,” commented CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt. “We observed impressive reliability in our repeated driverless runs, which leveraged Torc’s unparalleled embedded and integrated platform on Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia. We look forward to unlocking the full value of autonomous driving software for customers who prioritize safety, operations costs, ease of use and reliability.”

Achieving the ability to run a truck without a safety driver in the cab is a significant milestone in the commercialization of autonomous driving. So far, Daimler Truck and Torc have tested and developed autonomous driving with a safety driver and an operator on board. Their task is to constantly monitor the truck during all operations and be ready to take over from the autonomous driver at any time. Daimler Truck and Torc have proven that Torc’s autonomous driving software can safely navigate on highways, surface streets, ramps and turns at controlled intersections.

Torc Robotics Performs Successful Fully Autonomous Product Validation

by Torc | Oct 29, 2024 | News, Press Releases

BLACKSBURG, Va – Oct. 29, 2024 – Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG and a pioneer in commercializing self-driving vehicle technology, today announced it began successful advanced validation of the company’s autonomous trucks without a driver in a multi-lane closed-course environment earlier this year.

Conducted at full operating speed of up to 65 mph to optimize fuel efficiency, Torc’s driverless product acceptance test underscores Torc’s evolution to productization, positioning the company to scale and commercialize safe, robust autonomous trucking solutions by 2027. Unlike a demo, this milestone highlights Torc’s entry into scalable product release, with the company’s applied artificial intelligence (AI) technology, system architecture, production-intent embedded hardware and safety engineering converging to shape a product that prioritizes true software best practices and safer roadways for all.

“Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly been the biggest buzzword of the year, but real-world uses are few and far between. Autonomous trucking is one of the most concrete applications for AI that can drive demonstrated revenue, business value and industry transformation – and Torc is at the forefront of creating a safe autonomous solution with safety, scalability and cost efficiency top of mind,” commented Torc’s Chief Technology Officer, CJ King. “With our long-standing tenure in the autonomous space, this milestone reinforces Torc’s safety-focused commitment to driving the future of freight.”

This product validation milestone exemplifies Torc’s commitment to rigorous safety and maturity standards, marking a critical step from advanced engineering and development to full productization on a unified, embedded platform.

“This is a key moment in our mission to build a profitable, scalable business as the world’s leading autonomous solution,” commented CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt. “We observed impressive reliability in our repeated driverless runs, which leveraged Torc’s unparalleled embedded and integrated platform on Daimler Truck’s Freightliner Cascadia. We look forward to unlocking the full value of autonomous driving software for customers who prioritize safety, operations costs, ease of use and reliability.”

About Torc Robotics

Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 19 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. Torc operates test facilities in Dallas, Texas, and engineering offices in Austin, Texas; Blacksburg, VA, and Montreal, Canada. Torc’s purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world’s leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.

Assets

Torc Joins PAVE’s Autonomous Trucking Weekend at the Texas State Fair

by Kiley Mitchell Thompson | Oct 17, 2024 | News

Torc Joins PAVE’s Autonomous Trucking Weekend at the Texas State Fair

The Texas State Fair, held annually in Dallas, is one of the largest and most famous state fairs in the U.S. It’s been held since 1886, making it over 135 years old. It was originally established to showcase the agricultural and industrial progress of Texas. And this year, the industrial progress included a corral of autonomous trucks.

Invited by PAVE to join a collaborative Autonomous Trucking Weekend on October 5th and 6th, Torc joined Aurora and Plus in showcasing our truck and answering questions of fairgoers about the self-driving future.

“The Texas economy is a powerhouse. Industry brings good technology to where the opportunity is,” says Walter Grigg, Torc’s director of industry partnerships. “The state of Texas has been very friendly and welcoming, and the public has been very friendly and welcoming.”

Over the course of the event, all of the companies and PAVE representatives took questions from the public, discussing how self-driving fleets will help reshape the trucking industry. Attendees left with new information and a better understanding of how autonomous trucks will fit into a larger more robust shipping landscape. In a follow-up attendee survey conducted by PAVE, only 14% of respondents reported their comfort level as “uncomfortable” with sharing the road with autonomous trucks, and 38% rated their comfort as 4-5 on a 5-point scale, 5 being the most comfortable. Additionally, most saw improved road safety by the elimination of human error, and fewer crashes due to driver fatigue, as positives to the adoption of autonomous trucking.

“We appreciate that our testing is a privilege, all of our companies, on public roads. The focus on safety never goes away but you’ve definitely seen — even if you’ve not known it — you’ve seen autonomous trucks. And you’ll see more of them,” says Walter.

Self-driving truck company employees pose in front of their autonomous semi-trucks at the Texas State Fair.

The Texas State Fair mascot, a cowboy, poses with Torc Robotics employees in front of a self-driving semi-truck.

Two PAVE employees stand at a booth at the Texas State Fair, advertising self-driving semi-trucks and autonomous vehicle education.

A child poses inside a frame that says, "Self-Driving Selfie" at the Texas State Fair.

Two Texas State Fair visitors talk to a Torc Robotics employee standing in front of a self-driving semi-truck.

A cowboy mascot from the Texas State Fair shows off three semi-trucks.

A neon sign of a cowboy waving at the Texas State Fair

AVIA Welcomes Torc

by Torc | Sep 19, 2024 | News

TORC ROBOTICS WINS PRESTIGIOUS PR DAILY SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL AWARD

WASHINGTON DC – September 18, 2024 – The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) welcomes Torc Robotics, a pioneer in self-driving technology and an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck, as its newest member.

“We are thrilled to welcome Torc Robotics, a leader in autonomous trucking solutions to meet the growing demand for moving freight in our country,” said AVIA CEO Jeff Farrah. “Torc’s extensive experience in autonomous technology will add a critical voice to AVIA’s shared mission: a safer future with more resilient supply chains.”

The trucking industry is critical to the U.S. economy, responsible for transporting over 11 billion tons of freight annually. Additionally, data from the United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that U.S. freight volume will increase 50% by 2050 – highlighting the importance of moving goods safely and efficiently. Torc is developing self-driving trucks to improve road safety, drive efficient truck operations for its customers, and meet the freight industry demands of the future.

“We’re excited to join the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, putting Torc in a position to continue to shape the future of transportation and trucking as part of one of the leading industry associations for autonomous vehicles,” said Peter Vaughan Schmidt, CEO of Torc Robotics. “Torc is working to launch safe, autonomous solutions that deliver real-world benefits, from enhanced road safety to economic growth, and is strongly aligned with AVIA’s mission.”

About the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA):
AVIA works with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to realize the safety and societal benefits of autonomous vehicles. As the unified voice of the AV industry, the association is comprised of companies with diverse technical expertise and experience in the technology, automobile, ridehail, trucking, and logistics sectors. Bringing together their varied backgrounds, the companies formed AVIA to advance AVs’ tremendous safety, mobility and economic benefits to consumers in the safest and swiftest manner possible.

About Torc Robotics:
Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 18 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. Torc operates test facilities in Ft. Worth, TX, and engineering offices in Austin, Texas; and Montreal, Canada. Torc’s purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world’s leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.

Torc Robotics Wins Prestigious PR Daily Social Media & Digital Award

by Torc | Aug 22, 2024 | News

Blacksburg, VA — Torc Robotics has been named a winner in PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards in the Team of the Year (In-House) category.

PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards celebrates the organizations, people and teams that know how to earn audience attention online. They are continuing to advance the fields of social media and digital communications, leading to success for their organizations or clients.

Finalists in this year’s program were honored at a special industry event recently at the Yale Club in New York City, where category winners were also revealed. Learn about the event and winning work here.

Torc was chosen from a wide pool of entries to receive recognition as a winner in PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards in the Team of the Year (In-House) category for its social media awareness campaign surrounding their groundbreaking autonomous trucking technology development.

Torc revamped its social media strategy in 2023, aiming to build industry leadership and spread awareness about autonomous trucking. Through innovative and data-driven tactics, including video content and a more strategic, consistent posting cadence, Torc achieved significant growth, with 10M+ impressions and a 264% audience increase. This campaign was designed not only to inform but also to foster a deeper understanding of autonomous trucking by delivering clear, authentic information and showcasing the technology’s potential.

“Congratulations to Torc Robotics,” said Brendan Gannon, Senior Marketing Manager for Awards Programs at PR Daily. “Your innovative and impactful work in the digital space truly sets you apart. PR Daily is proud to recognize their efforts.”

“Winning this award reflects our dedication to bridging the gap between complex technology and public perception. said Jane Bailey, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Torc Robotics. “By leveraging our social media platforms as educational tools, we aim to demystify autonomous trucking, build credibility and engage with our growing community,”

Torc Robotics has been recognized for its accomplishment in a special write-up on PR Daily’s internationally read news website.

About Torc Robotics

Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 18 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. Torc operates test facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and engineering offices in Austin, Texas; Stuttgart, Germany; and Montreal, Canada. Torc’s purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world’s leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.

About Ragan Communications and PR Daily

Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 50 years to internal and external communicators and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and its membership divisions. Its daily news sites—PRDaily.com and Ragan.com—are read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly.

Torc Robotics Recognized as a Finalist in PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards

by Torc | Jun 4, 2024 | News

BLACKSBURG, Va. – June 4, 2024 – Torc Robotics is thrilled to announce it’s been recognized as a finalist in the Brand Awareness and Grand Prize category of Team of the Year by PR Daily’s 2024 Social Media & Digital Awards for its brand communications efforts and achievements on social media in 2023. PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards celebrates and recognizes the best digital communications and social media campaigns, content, projects and teams from the past year.

“Congratulations to Torc Robotics,” said Brendan Gannon, Senior Marketing Manager for Ragan’s, and PR Daily’s Awards programs. “The recognition is a testament to the hard work and innovation that you have poured into this work on behalf of your organization.”

Torc Robotics will be honored with the other finalists during the PR Daily Social Media & Digital Awards Luncheon, which will take place Aug. 1 at the Yale Club in New York City. This event will be an inspiring industry celebration, honoring the best digital and social media work, providing opportunities for attendees to engage with industry leaders, make new connections and gain insights from the best of the best.

“Torc is steadfast in its commitment to the transformative potential of autonomous trucking.” said Laura Lawton, Torc Director of External Communications. “Through our strategic use of social media on a global scale, we’ve engaged with audiences to educate and foster a growing sense of excitement to drive the future of freight.”

About Torc Robotics

Torc Robotics, headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, is an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global leader and pioneer in trucking. Founded in 2005 at the birth of the self-driving vehicle revolution, Torc has over 18 years of experience in pioneering safety-critical, self-driving applications. Torc offers a complete self-driving vehicle software and integration solution and is currently focusing on commercializing autonomous trucks for long-haul applications in the U.S. Torc operates test facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and engineering offices in Austin, Texas; Stuttgart, Germany; and Montreal, Canada. Torc’s purpose is driving the future of freight with autonomous technology. As the world’s leading autonomous trucking solution, we empower exceptional employees, deliver a focused, hub-to-hub autonomous truck product, and provide our customers with the safest, most reliable, and cost-efficient solution to the market.

About Ragan Communications and PR Daily

Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 50 years to internal and external communicators and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and its membership divisions. Its daily news sites—PRDaily.com and Ragan.com—are read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly.