Autonomous Freightliner unveiled

Daimler Trucks has become the world's first manufacturer to be granted a road licence for an autonomous heavy-duty truck, with its 'Freightliner Inspiration Truck' certified for use in the American state of Nevada.

The Freightliner Inspiration Truck is based on the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution, but with the addition of the Highway Pilot technology which comprises a front radar, stereo camera and assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control.

The technology was first showcased in Daimler's 'Future Truck 2025', when that vehicle made its maiden voyage in a trial on a Germany autobahn last year.

To get approval in Nevada, the technology was further developed and included a Freightliner Inspiration Truck covering over 16,000km on a test circuit in Germany.

"Our achievement here underlines yet again our role as a technological pioneer and demonstrates our consistent dedication to develop the technology for autonomous long-distance driving to series production standard," said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, Daimler AG board member responsible for Trucks and Buses.

"We are in a unique position among manufacturers in that we are able to implement technologies across all business units and brands. We have transferred our Highway Pilot system to our US Freightliner brand within a very short time frame and developed it for the world's first autonomous truck to be licensed for road use."

The first journey for the Freightliner Inspiration Truck took place near Las Vegas on Interstate 15, and was made by Brian Sandoval, Governor of Nevada, and Dr. Bernhard.

Nevada has licenced two Freightliner Inspiration Trucks for regular operation on public roads and, according to Martin Daum, President and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America, "it remains our goal to be in a position to offer the Highway Pilot in series-produced vehicles from the middle of the coming decade".

Standby for more news on the Freightliner Inspiration Truck.