Technologyby Kirsten Korosec
TechCrunch Mobility: A roadblock clears for self-driving trucks
Key Takeaways
- Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI received a five-year federal exemption.
- Cab-mounted beacons replace traditional roadside warning triangles.
- The change removes a key regulatory roadblock for autonomous trucking.
- Industry leaders view the ruling as vital for commercial freight expansion.
Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI received a five-year federal exemption allowing autonomous trucks to use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of traditional roadside warning triangles. Previously, federal rules required human drivers to physically place reflective triangles on the road during a breakdown. Because driverless trucks lack a human operator, this regulation posed a major hurdle for commercialization, prompting legal battles. Industry executives hailed the decision as a vital step for the autonomous freight sector.
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