Freightliner recently debuted their very first self driving Semi-truck, the Inspiration. The national highway traffic safety administration has a rating system for a vehicle’s level of autonomy from 0-4 (0 given to a standard human operated vehicle, and 4 given to a fully autonomous vehicle). The Inspiration has a 3 rating, meaning that an operator is still required for certain functions and a driver must always be in the seat ready to take over. The Inspiration can maintain legal speeds, keep safe driving distance, and brake when necessary. It cannot, however, merge and exit highways, drive on local roads, or dock the trailer.
For now, commercial drivers are still required and who knows if semi’s will ever become legally fully autonomous. But what does this mean for the commercial trucking industry? What are your thoughts on autonomous cars and trucks? Leave your comments below.
For More information on the Freightliner Inspiration, Click Here.
For the video of the unveiling at the Hoover Dam, Click Here.
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