Volvo’s Autonomous Truck Emerge, Sparking Concerns Over On-Road Safety

The introduction of self-driving trucks on highways has sparked concerns among motorists, with a recent survey revealing that 65% of people feel unsafe sharing the road with autonomous freight trucks. The imminent launch of Volvo’s VNL autonomous truck has amplified these concerns, as the Swedish automaker has teamed up with Aurora, a self-driving technology company, to create a fleet of autonomous big rigs.

The Volvo VNL autonomous truck is equipped with Aurora’s autonomous driving technology and redundant safety systems. Initially, a human safety operator will be on board to take control in the event of any issues with the autonomous systems. Volvo plans to start hauling freight loads with its autonomous trucks in the next few months… preceding broader commercial operations.

The company has already commenced manufacturing a launch fleet of autonomous trucks at its Virginia plant. Designers at Volvo Autonomous Solutions have prioritized safety in the development of the VNL autonomous truck. The platform engineering approach incorporates high-assurance redundancy systems to mitigate potential emergency situations.

The truck is also integrated with the Aurora Driver, a self-driving system that features dual computers, self-driving software, “in-house lidar capable of detecting objects over 1,”300 feet away, “high-resolution cameras.”.. and imaging radar. Industry experts and safety advocates have raised questions about the potential risks associated with the widespread adoption of autonomous trucks on highways.

However, proponents argue that the technology has the potential to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion. As the Volvo VNL autonomous truck prepares for its debut on highways, authorities and regulators will need to carefully assess the safety implications of this emerging technology and establish guidelines for its implementation.

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Imagine cruising down the highway when suddenly a massive, self-driving 18-wheeler pulls up beside you. No human in the driver’s seat, just sensors and computers guiding this 40-ton behemoth down the road. A bit unsettling, right?
You’re not alone in feeling that way. Surveys show that 65% of people would feel unsafe sharing the road with an autonomous freight truck. And can you blame them? The idea of a vehicle that large operating without a human in control at high speeds is understandably concerning for most.