Texas Moving Forward With Driverless Trucks

As self-driving vehicle technology becomes more and more popular throughout the United States, it sounds like drivers in one state will start seeing self-driving, driverless semitrucks on the road.

Earlier this month, autonomous trucking firm Aurora announced that it had launched commercial service in Texas under its first customers, Uber Freight and Hirschbach Motor Lines.

Both companies conducted test runs with Aurora, which included safety drivers to monitor the self-driving technology. However, after those test runs, the new commercial service will no longer have safety drivers – the trucks will be fully autonomous and driverless.

“We founded Aurora to deliver the benefits of self-driving technology safely, quickly, and broadly. Now, we are the first company to successfully and safely operate a commercial driverless trucking service on public roads,” said Chris Urmson, CEO and co-founder of Aurora, in a statement. “Riding in the back seat for our inaugural trip was an honor of a lifetime – the Aurora Driver performed perfectly and it’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

“Our commitment to building a transformative technology, earning trust, and assembling a strong ecosystem of customers and partners have made this pivotal milestone possible,” added Urmson.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott celebrated the technology coming to the state.

“Texas continues to attract emerging industries because we offer an environment that welcomes entrepreneurs and encourages innovation – key factors in Texas' unmatched economic success. Texas ranks No. 1 for technology and innovation, and that continues as we welcome America's first self-driving trucks,” Abbott said in a statement.

“These new, autonomous semis on the I-45 corridor will efficiently move products, create jobs, and help make our roadways safer,” Abbott added. “Texas offers businesses the freedom to succeed, and the Aurora Driver will further spur economic growth and job creation in Texas. Together through innovation, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Texas for generations.”

The new, self-driving trucks will be making regular long-haul routes, making roundtrips between Dallas and Houston.