Parcel giant UPS has purchased a stake in autonomous driving company TuSimple, strengthening a relationship that has already seen the introduction of autonomous truck deliveries in Arizona.
The two companies have been working together for some time on an extensive trial of Level 4 Autonomous technology that means the vehicle’s onboard computer is in control at all times, without the need for human intervention.
As part of the trial, UPS has been making computer-controlled deliveries on an American Freight Forwarding Route between Tucson and Phoenix since May.
Although these deliveries have been made under autonomous control, a driver and engineer have been onboard at all times, as required currently by law.
Scott Price, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at UPS , said, ““UPS is committed to developing and deploying technologies that enable us to operate our global logistics network more efficiently.
“While fully autonomous, driverless vehicles still have development and regulatory work ahead, we are excited by the advances in braking and other technologies that companies like TuSimple are mastering.
“All of these technologies offer significant safety and other benefits that will be realized long before the full vision of autonomous vehicles is brought to fruition.”
