Aurora Launches Driverless Truck Service on Texas Highways

Aurora Innovation has launched the first fully driverless commercial trucking service on public roads, with autonomous semis now operating regular long-haul routes between Dallas and Houston, Texas. The company’s Aurora Driver technology, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, has already completed over 1,200 miles without a human in the cab and aims to expand its fleet by the end of 2025. Aurora touts benefits such as improved efficiency and addressing driver shortages, but the move has sparked safety concerns among advocacy groups and labor unions, who argue that current oversight and testing standards are insufficient for real-world conditions. Critics highlight issues like lack of crash reporting requirements and exemptions from safety regulations, while supporters point to the technology's ability to handle complex driving scenarios and its potential to improve logistics. Texas has become a focal point for autonomous vehicle development due to favorable regulations and infrastructure, attracting several self-driving tech companies. As Aurora scales up, the debate continues over balancing innovation with public safety and regulatory scrutiny.