Aurora Autonomous Trucks Drive at Night - Next Challenge: Rain

Aurora Innovation's Expansion in the Sunbelt

Over the coming year, Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora Innovation, aims to establish a significant operational presence within the Sunbelt region of the United States. This southern corridor will serve as a key route for the company’s autonomous trucks, facilitating freight transport for clients such as Uber Freight and Hirschbach Motor Lines.

Progress with Driverless Truck Services

Aurora, having initiated its driverless commercial self-driving truck service earlier this year, has already demonstrated notable advancements. The company’s recent shareholder letter revealed that three self-driving trucks are currently operating commercially between Dallas and Houston.

By the close of June, these trucks had accumulated over 20,000 miles of driverless operation. It’s important to note that a human “observer” is present in the cab, but their role is solely for monitoring, not for operating or intervening with the vehicle.

Infrastructure Development and Route Expansion

Aurora has further solidified its Sunbelt strategy by establishing a terminal in Phoenix. This facility supports the piloting of autonomous trucking along a 15-hour route connecting Fort Worth, Texas, to Phoenix, serving customers like Hirschbach and Werner.

The company’s terminals, strategically positioned within a 1-5 mile radius of major highways, necessitate that the driverless trucks navigate exits and local streets independently.

Nighttime Operation Capabilities

A crucial factor enabling Aurora’s expansion is its trucks’ ability to operate safely during nighttime hours. The company has successfully validated this capability, allowing for extended travel distances.

This is particularly significant as it surpasses the federally mandated service limitations imposed on traditional human drivers. Truck drivers are restricted to a maximum of 11 driving hours within a 14-hour period, and require 10-hour breaks after long hauls.

Long-Haul Potential and Lidar Technology

“The true benefit lies in longer distances – 600 miles represents a viable range, approaching the limits of human endurance,” Urmson explained in a recent TechCrunch interview. He envisions a future where Aurora trucks transport freight across the country, from Miami to California.

Aurora attributes its nighttime operational success, in part, to its proprietary long-range lidar system. This technology can detect objects in darkness from a distance exceeding 450 meters.

Lidar allows the trucks to identify pedestrians, vehicles, and road debris up to 11 seconds earlier than a human driver could. Aurora has strengthened its lidar capabilities through the acquisition of Blackmore in 2019 and OURS Technology in 2021.

Addressing Adverse Weather Conditions

Currently, Aurora’s engineers are focused on validating the driverless trucks’ performance in rainy conditions.

“Our goal is to be operational in all conditions – day, night, and rain – as the inability to navigate rain would hinder long-distance operations,” Urmson stated.

Current Rain Operation and Safety Protocols

While Aurora’s development fleet can currently operate in the rain, the company has not yet fully validated this capability for its commercial trucks. Therefore, commercial operation in rainy conditions is currently restricted.

On its existing commercial route between Dallas and Houston, Aurora actively monitors weather conditions. If inclement weather, such as rain, is detected, the trucks are programmed to autonomously pull over and await assistance.

Focus on Capability and Scalability

“This year is dedicated to developing a comprehensive toolkit of capabilities, ensuring the vehicles can operate wherever needed,” Urmson emphasized, highlighting the focus on validating performance in both nighttime and rainy conditions.

Future Expansion Plans

Looking ahead, Aurora plans to concentrate on expanding its road network, both in terms of distance and fleet size. The company anticipates having “tens” of driverless trucks operating on public roads by year-end and “hundreds” by the end of 2026.

Path to Profitability

The advancements in autonomous functionality, route expansion, and fleet growth are all essential steps toward achieving profitability for Aurora.

Currently, the company faces a significant gap between revenue and net income. Aurora reported $1 million in revenue for the second quarter, contrasted with a net loss of $201 million, as detailed in its regulatory filings.