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Volvo VNR Test Drive Highlights Maneuverability, Visibility, and Driver Input

Volvo Trucks North America invited us to its New River Valley plant to test the all-new Volvo VNR in the place where it is built. The drive included two courses: a highway loop and a mock city route designed to test how the truck handles on regional routes, tight turns, loading docks, and rough pavement. One of the clearest differences came from Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS). With the system off, bumps and uneven surfaces moved heavily through the steering wheel and cab. With VDS on, the wheel stayed more controlled, helping reduce steering kickback from road impacts, potholes, tire events, and crosswinds. Tight Spaces, Driver Feedback The urban course highlighted another focus area: maneuverability. Working through cones and container setups, the VNR’s short hood and visibility made tight turns more manageable. According to Magnus Koeck, VP of strategy, marketing, and brand management at VTNA—that capability reflects direct driver input. “When we develop trucks in general with this new platform, we always take lots of input from drivers,” Koeck said. “Probably 3,000 drivers have helped in one time or another.” Safety and Visibility in Real Conditions That same visibility plays into the truck’s broader safety systems. Volvo said the VNR integrates active safety features with improved driver awareness, including systems that monitor surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. Volvo said many safety features now come standard, including a side curtain airbag designed to better protect drivers in a crash. The VNR we drove also featured Volvo’s Camera Monitor System, which helped during a backing test into a tight dock setup. Efficiency Still Drives the Conversation Beyond handling and safety, Volvo framed the VNR around operating cost, connectivity, and uptime. “We’re continuing that segment, regional haul and urban distribution, with a truck that is significantly more fuel efficient, significantly better connected with connectivity and

Zoomlion Showcases Green Mining Solutions

Dalmia Cement to Acquire 5.2 MnTPA Capacity Dalmia Cement (Bharat), a wholly owned subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat, has executed a Business Transfer Agreement with Jaiprakash Associates and Adani Infra (India) to acquire cement assets with 5.2 MnTPA capacity in the Central region.The acquisition covers cement plants located at Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, and Churk, Chunar and Sadwa in Uttar Pradesh. The assets include 5.2 MnTPA cement capacity, 3.3 MnTPA clinker capacity, 99 MW thermal power capacity, railway sidings at Rewa and Chunar, and a common railway siding at Churk. The enterprise value of the transaction is Rs 28.5 billion.Following co.. Rampura Agucha Becomes Zinc Mark Certified Mine Hindustan Zinc’s Rampura Agucha Mine has become India’s first Zinc Mark certified mine, marking a major milestone in responsible zinc production. The mine is the world’s largest underground zinc-lead mine and is operated by Hindustan Zinc, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer.Zinc Mark is a globally recognised assurance framework that validates responsible zinc production against international Environmental, Social and Governance standards, responsible sourcing practices and value chain transparency. The certification strengthens Hindustan Zinc’s ability to offer responsibly .. Headsup B2B Targets Rs 4 bn Revenue This Fiscal Headsup B2B, a pan-India procurement and supply chain platform serving the infrastructure, industrial and renewable energy sectors, is targeting Rs 4 billion in revenue for the current fiscal year. The company executed over 2,200 transactions worth Rs 2.5 billion in the previous financial year.Allied infrastructure services contributed nearly 80 per cent of revenue during the period, while renewable energy, industrial automation and road safety solutions emerged as the fastest-growing categories. The company is now expanding its role beyond procurement to support installation, deployment and p..

IMO Approves Landmark Global Framework for <b>Autonomous</b> Shipping

IMO Approves Landmark Global Framework for Autonomous Shipping The International Maritime Organization has approved the world’s first international rules designed specifically for autonomous commercial vessels, marking a major breakthrough in the future of maritime transport. Read also: IMO Closes Regulatory Loophole on False Flagging in Shipping The newly adopted framework — known as the International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS Code) — was finalized this week during the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee meeting in London. The move places the global shipping regulator at the center of efforts to manage rapidly advancing autonomous vessel technology while balancing innovation with safety and accountability. The new code establishes an international structure for ships operating with different levels of automation, from vessels using advanced decision-support systems to fully autonomous ships capable of operating without onboard human involvement. The shipping industry has been moving steadily toward automation in recent years, with pilot projects involving remotely operated and semi-autonomous vessels already underway in parts of Europe and Asia, particularly on shorter coastal and port routes. IMO officials described the adoption as a major milestone for maritime regulation, saying the framework is intended to support emerging technologies while ensuring that safety standards and human oversight remain central to shipping operations. The code is the result of several years of regulatory review by the IMO, which began studying how existing maritime laws would apply to autonomous shipping back in 2021. That review examined major international conventions covering navigation safety, crew training, liability, search and rescue responsibilities, and ship operations under different levels of automation. One of the biggest challenges has been determining how traditional maritime roles apply in an autonomous environment — including the legal responsibilities of a ship’s master, shore-based remote operators, and technology providers. The MASS Code also addresses key operational issues

Aurora (AUR) Stock; Falls Near $7 as Market Questions <b>Driverless Truck</b> Commercial Timeline

Aurora Innovation Inc. (NASDAQ: AUR) extended its losing streak into the holiday-shortened U.S. trading week, with shares sliding toward the $7 level as investors reassess the company’s path to commercializing driverless trucking technology. The stock has now fallen for multiple consecutive sessions, diverging from broader market strength, where major U.S. indices ended the week in positive territory. The decline reflects growing investor uncertainty around how quickly Aurora can transition from development-stage operations into meaningful revenue generation. While the company continues to position itself as a leader in autonomous freight logistics, market participants appear increasingly focused on timelines rather than long-term potential. Aurora closed the prior session at roughly $7.07, marking a 1.4% daily decline and an overall drop of more than 8% from mid-May levels. Late trading saw the stock edging slightly lower, reinforcing the downward momentum that has characterized recent sessions. Aurora Innovation, Inc., AUR The weakness comes even as broader equities posted gains, with the Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, and Dow all finishing the week higher. The contrast has placed Aurora in sharper focus among traders watching autonomous vehicle names, especially those still operating at significant losses. With U.S. markets closed for Memorial Day and a shortened trading week ahead, liquidity and sentiment-driven moves are expected to play an outsized role in early-week price action. At the center of investor debate is Aurora’s “Driver as a Service” model, which aims to monetize autonomous trucking through subscription-based software and per-mile fees rather than fleet ownership. While the concept offers long-term scalability, the near-term financials remain under pressure. The company’s most recent quarterly figures highlight the gap between ambition and execution. Aurora reported approximately $1 million in revenue alongside a substantial operating loss exceeding $240 million. Cash burn also remained elevated, with more than $150 million used in operating activities

Canada Just Turned A Giant Diesel <b>Truck</b> Into A Silent, Electric Ice Explorer

Canada Just Turned A Giant Diesel Truck Into A Silent, Electric Ice Explorer The world’s first electric ice explorer is ready to ferry passengers in Jasper National Park in complete silence. - Canada’s Pursuit has converted one of its old diesel ice explorers to electric. - The refurbished EV is powered by a huge, 528 kWh battery, which is big enough for about 30 trips up and down the Columbia Icefield. - The old cabin was kept, but the chassis and the driveline are completely new. Canada’s 10,000-year-old Columbia Icefield can now be explored in complete silence, thanks to the world’s first all-electric ice explorer. The huge, eight-wheeled truck was converted from diesel to electric by Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality with the help of Manitoba’s Noble Northern as part of a pilot program that kicked off for this year’s exploration season. Noble Northern took one of Pursuit’s old diesel Ice Explorers and ditched everything, except the top cab. A new chassis, that’s 30% lighter than before, was fitted under the 52-passenger body, along with an air suspension setup that allows for a smooth ride over the rocky and icy terrain. A massive, 528-kilowatt-hour battery was bolted onto the frame, which allows for around 30 to 35 trips up and down the mountain, according to Tye Noble, Noble Northern’s president. The battery has an integrated thermal management system to ensure optimal performance in the harshest conditions, and there’s regenerative braking, which reduces strain on the physical brakes and sends back power to the battery during descents. To top it all off, 12 roof-mounted solar panels can send electricity to the massive battery when it’s sunny outside. Gallery: Pursuit's Electric Ice Explorer “We rebuilt this vehicle from the chassis up to be as light and efficient as possible while meeting the demands

<b>Autonomous</b> Last Mile Delivery Market Poised for Strong Growth

Autonomous Last Mile Delivery Market Poised for Strong Growth Driven by Rising Demand for Faster and Contactless Deliveries The autonomous last mile delivery market is gaining momentum as logistics providers increasingly adopt innovative technologies to improve efficiency and meet rising consumer expectations. The market is projected to grow from US$63.02 billion in 2024 to US$77.50 billion by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3.00% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2031.Get Sample Report- https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00016108?utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=10932 For instant assistance or inquiries, please contact us at: sales@theinsightpartners.com Autonomous last mile delivery refers to the use of advanced systems such as unmanned aerial drones, autonomous ground vehicles, and delivery robots to transport goods from distribution centers directly to customers without human intervention. This approach is transforming traditional logistics operations by enhancing speed, reducing delivery costs, and improving accuracy. Market Overview The last mile of delivery is often the most expensive and complex phase of the supply chain. Autonomous technologies aim to address these challenges by automating the delivery process using artificial intelligence and robotics. These systems enable faster, safer, and more efficient deliveries, particularly in densely populated urban environments as well as remote areas. The growing popularity of online retail and the increasing demand for same-day delivery services are key factors propelling the adoption of autonomous delivery solutions. Logistics companies are leveraging these technologies to optimize operations, reduce human dependency, and improve overall customer satisfaction. In addition, businesses are focusing on automation to tackle challenges such as labor shortages, rising operational expenses, and the need for contactless delivery services. These trends are significantly contributing to the expansion of the autonomous last mile delivery market. For more information and to access the complete autonomous last mile delivery market report, visit: https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/autonomous-last-mile-delivery-market Market Segmentation The autonomous last mile delivery market is

China activates mega coal complex in Xinjiang with 5G <b>autonomous trucks</b>

China has put into operation in Xinjiang the world's largest coal-to-chemical energy complex, backed by 390 billion tons in reserves. With investments exceeding 800 billion yuan, the project aims to reduce dependence on imported oil by transforming coal into gas, plastics, and liquid fuels. In 2024, local production reached 540 million tons, a 17% increase. Driverless trucks and 5G: the logistics of future coal ð The operation uses over 200 autonomous trucks guided by 5G and GPS, working 24 hours without rest. These vehicles avoid human risks in extreme environments and optimize routes in real time. The strategy responds to the increased energy demand from artificial intelligence, prioritizing converting coal into chemical raw materials instead of burning it directly. The complex integrates mining, gasification, and chemical synthesis into a single system. From coal to plastic: goodbye oil, hello desktop mine âï¸ While in the West they debate whether coal is a thing of the past, China turns it into gas and plastics with trucks that don't even need a driver. AI demands more energy and coal responds: instead of emitting smoke, it transforms into bags and fuels. If the future is green, it seems that in Xinjiang it will be green... with a very particular coal tone.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Targets <b>Autonomous Truck</b> Hub Status by 2026

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Targets Autonomous Truck Hub Status by 2026 Port of Antwerp-Bruges has identified a turning point for autonomous vehicles, according to a statement from the port authority. The source, an article published by Hellenic Shipping News, outlines the port's strategy to become a hub for autonomous mobility. Commercial autonomous trucks are already operating on public roads in both China and the United States. In China, one operator has reported that its insurance ratio dropped from 96 percent, typical for conventional transport firms, to just 18 percent, indicating improvements in safety, cost, and casualty reduction. In the US, companies including Volvo Autonomous Solutions are driving commercially on long-distance corridors. The port authority argues that autonomous trucks offer strategic value beyond safety. They could accelerate a modal shift by improving last-mile connections and make night logistics more viable, helping to ease daytime congestion. Autonomous and electric driving can reinforce each other, as the cost savings from removing a driver can offset the higher cost of electric propulsion. Ports are seen as ideal environments for scaling autonomy due to high traffic frequency, controlled conditions, and repetitive operations. Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to accelerate commercial roll-out by urging policymakers to address fragmented legislation in Europe and by developing commercial use cases that can be scaled to full operational domains, such as a corridor toward Rotterdam or shunting operations within the port. A Letter of Intent has been signed with Port of Rotterdam and North Sea Port to jointly organize autonomous transport within the ports and on connecting roads. On the Rotterdam-Antwerp corridor alone, approximately 6,500 trucks travel daily. An innovation tender will select OEMs and technology partners to implement these projects. The port is also positioning itself as a venue for innovation around autonomous driving, sailing, flying, and rail operations. It organized

China's machinery giant XCMG eyes bigger scoop of global sales with green, <b>autonomous</b> tech

China’s machinery giant XCMG eyes bigger scoop of global sales with green, autonomous tech State-owned firm banks on intelligent manufacturing, green technology, product integration and digital services to boost sales overseas XCMG Group, mainland China’s largest construction machinery maker, aims to achieve annual overseas sales of 100 billion yuan (US$14.7 billion), luring more international clients by turning its excavators, cranes and specialised vehicles greener and more automated. Yang Dongsheng, chairman of the state-owned machinery giant, told reporters in a media briefing last week that the target would be achieved in line with the company’s ambition of building itself into a top-class machinery producer worldwide. “Today, XCMG is no longer just a Chinese manufacturing brand,” he said. “As a rising global player, it is an important growth driver and value creator in the global construction machinery industry. No matter which business unit customers walk into, they will see the latest hi-tech, tailor-made solutions.” The chairman did not elaborate on when the company expected to reach the overseas sales target. XCMG recorded revenue of 102 billion yuan in 2024 and was now the world’s third-largest construction machinery manufacturer, trailing US-based Caterpillar and Komatsu of Japan, Yang said. The company said 48 per cent of its sales last year came from more than 100 markets outside mainland China.

<b>Autonomous</b> vehicles are on their way | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

Autonomous vehicles are on their way We are at a turning point for autonomous vehicles. The technology exists. In China and the US, commercial autonomous trucks already drive on public roads. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is keen to play its part as an innovation platform and develop such cases here too. The technology works Autonomous trucks are no longer a promise, but an operational reality. In China, the use of thousands of autonomous vehicles is already demonstrating a dramatic improvement in safety numbers: at one Chinese player, the insurance ratio dropped from the usual 96 percent for conventional transport firms to a mere 18 percent. Less damage, lower costs, fewer casualties. In the US, players like Volvo Autonomous Solutions are already driving commercially on long corridors. Op 16 september organiseerde we port of the future : autonomous summit. Er kwamen technologiebedrijven gespecialiseerd in autonome (en remote-controlled) technologie samen. The strategic added value extends beyond safety alone. Autonomous trucks can accelerate the modal shift by making last-mile connections more accessible. In addition, they can also make night logistics more viable, thus alleviating daytime congestion. Two transitions in one: autonomous and electric driving can reinforce each other, as the omitted driver cost can offset the additional cost of electric propulsion. ‘’Autonomy scales where it makes economic sense. Ports are a perfect example: high traffic frequency, controlled environments and repetitive operations allow autonomy to grow rapidly within the same operational domain. Then innovation makes real sense.’’ Kai Xue,Vice President Europe at Inceptio Technology The port as an innovation platform Port of Antwerp-Bruges wants to accelerate the commercial roll-out of autonomous mobility. On the one hand, by putting pressure on policy to counteract fragmented legislation in Europe. On the other by developing commercial use cases that can then be scaled up to a full operational

<b>Autonomous</b> mining: Advanced connectivity for remote operations

Table of Contents - Autonomous mining and advanced connectivity - Digital architecture of an autonomous mine - Remote operation in autonomous extraction - Safety barriers and monitoring - Industrial 5G networks for autonomous mining - From industrial wi-Fi to private 5G - Verifiable mining automation - Validation, scenarios, and control handover - Autonomous mining reference sites - Mining efficiency and operational continuity - Electrification, AI, and the future mine - Roadmap for implementing autonomy - Conclusions - References - FAQs – Autonomous Mining Connectivity In autonomous mining, advanced connectivity no longer functions only as digital support; it has become a critical infrastructure for operational safety, remote control, and production continuity. If the network loses stability, autonomous operations also lose responsiveness, visibility, and coordination, becoming exposed to stoppages, blind zones, and delayed decisions. Remote extraction requires controlled latency, robust coverage, reliable data, and systems capable of reacting before a deviation reaches the equipment, the operator, or the mining plan. In this context, modern autonomy is designed as an integrated ecosystem: private networks, sensors, fleet control, OT cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and a remote decision-making center. Autonomous mining and advanced connectivity Autonomous mining integrates mobile equipment, artificial perception, traffic control, dispatch platforms, geotechnical monitoring, telemetry, analytics, and remote operation centers. It includes driverless trucks, autonomous drills, assisted shovels, teleoperated dozers, inspection robots, drones, automated trains, on-demand ventilation, and digital twins. The most important technical shift is that the mine stops operating through isolated equipment and begins operating through connected domains. An autonomous truck requires digital routes, geofences, loading points, exclusion zones, priority rules, onboard sensors, stable network connectivity, safe-stop logic, and human supervision from a remote center. The most direct regulatory reference is ISO 17757:2019, which establishes safety requirements for autonomous and semi-autonomous machines used in mining and earthmoving operations. The standard covers

An <b>autonomous</b> heating system is being installed in Mykolaiv

Menu Social media Sections 24 May 2026 An autonomous heating system is being installed in Mykolaiv Ця стаття також доступна українською2 Photo: Mykolaiv City Council In Mykolaiv's Korabelnyi district, residential buildings are being equipped with backup power for individual heating stations so that residents can receive stable heat even during power outages. This was reported by the Mykolaiv City Council. The project involves installing inverters and batteries for individual heating stations in residential buildings. The equipment for Mykolaivoblteploenergo was provided by DanChurchAid and Norwegian Church Aid with financial support from NORAD, EU FPI, Danida, and the Korsholm Family. So far, the company has received 43 sets of inverters and batteries. Of these, 34 have already been installed, and nine more are planned to be installed in the near future. Such installations allow the heating stations to operate autonomously for 15-20 hours without electricity. Photo: Mykolaiv City Council According to Mykola Logvinov, First Deputy Mayor of Mykolaiv, the use of inverters and batteries is much more efficient than generators, which require high costs and constant maintenance. There are currently 92 individual heating stations in the Korabelny district. By the start of the new heating season, international partners promise to provide equipment to equip all the individual heating stations with backup power. The city council notes that the modernization of the district has been ongoing since 2017. In the long run, this will create a so-called "energy island" where houses will be able to receive stable heat even in the absence of centralized power supply. Recently, a new regime of power outages was introduced in Mykolaiv district of Mykolaiv region due to limited grid capacity. As a reminder, on the morning of April 16, Russian troops attacked the energy infrastructure of Mykolaiv region, which led to large-scale power outages. Earlier, Intent wrote

Fatigue in constant velocity joints: the failure that overturned a four hundred ton <b>truck</b>

A 400-ton autonomous mining truck lost traction on a ramp and overturned, causing an operational catastrophe. The subsequent analysis revealed that the cause was not a driving error, but a fatigue failure in the constant velocity joint of the drive shaft. Through high-resolution 3D scanning and multibody simulation, engineers identified an internal forging defect that propagated under the extreme load cycles typical of mining. ð 3D scanning and simulation: digital twin to detect hidden failures ð The team used GOM Inspect to digitize the fractured joint with micrometer precision, generating a point cloud that revealed internal microcracks not visible to the naked eye. These anomalies originated during the forging process, where non-metallic inclusions acted as stress concentrators. Using the scan data, a dynamic model was built in MSC Adams to replicate the load conditions on the ramp, and subsequently a finite element analysis was performed in SolidWorks Simulation. The results confirmed that the defect exceeded the material's fatigue limit after thousands of combined torsion and bending cycles. Lessons from a catastrophe: fatigue as a silent enemy â ï¸ This case demonstrates that material fatigue in critical components is not a theoretical risk, but a real threat that can bring down a machine weighing hundreds of tons. The integration of digital twins based on 3D scanning and multibody simulation allows these failures to be anticipated before they occur. For simulation engineers, the lesson is clear: no forging defect should be underestimated, and component validation must include load cycles representative of the real mining environment. How transient loads and torsional effects influence the fatigue life prediction of constant velocity joints in 400-ton autonomous mining trucks (PS: Material fatigue is like yours after 10 hours of simulation.)

China's Robovan Sector Consolidates as Zelos Merges with Cainiao Unit

FAW Jiefang FAW Group subsidiary, industry leader China's robovan sector is undergoing a phase of consolidation, according to industry developments. This trend was highlighted by the merger of Zelos with Cainiao's autonomous-vehicle unit in January. Zelos Technology, an autonomous driving firm, stated that Chinese robovans could produce double the revenue in Southeast Asia and the Middle East compared to the domestic market. The company indicated that expanding overseas is essential for achieving profitability. Zelos claims to have established the largest robovan fleet globally since its founding in Suzhou in 2021. Sean Zhang Xuchen, co-founder, chief operating officer, and head of global business at Zelos, noted that scaling international operations is critical for the company's survival. He added that the key to competitiveness lies in AI capabilities, and that the company positions itself as an artificial intelligence solution provider rather than a vehicle operator. The merger of Zelos with Cainiao's autonomous vehicle unit in January created what is described as a US$2 billion automated delivery giant. Alibaba Group Holding, which controls Cainiao, also owns the South China Morning Post, the source of this information. Conventional automakers such as Changan Automobile and Guangzhou Automobile Group are partnering with robovan startups. Additionally, Geely's Farizon unit has introduced robovan models. Zelos identified Southeast Asia and the Middle East as its top markets. While robovan charges in these regions are lower than in Europe and the US, revenue from the two emerging markets combined was double that of mainland China. This helped drive gross profit margins above 50 percent, according to Zhang. Interactive table based on the Store Companies dataset for this report. | # | Company | Headquarters | Focus | Scale | Note | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | FAW Jiefang | Changchun, Jilin | Heavy-duty trucks | Very Large | FAW Group subsidiary,

NMFTA Names Ben Wilkens as Cybersecurity Director

National Motor Freight Traffic Association Inc. promoted Ben Wilkens to director of cybersecurity. The association said Wilkens will lead cybersecurity strategy, research initiatives, and industry engagement efforts. Background in Freight Cybersecurity Wilkens previously served as a cybersecurity principal engineer at NMFTA, where the association said he led efforts to develop technologies and strategies to protect critical systems across the freight and logistics sector. Before joining NMFTA, Wilkens held a leadership role at a family-owned trucking and logistics company, focusing on integrating technology and cybersecurity into operations. Industry Collaboration and Strategy NMFTA said Wilkens will work with industry partners, academic institutions, and government agencies to strengthen cybersecurity practices and information sharing. “Ben’s leadership and real-world understanding of both cybersecurity and transportation make him exceptionally well-positioned to advance NMFTA’s mission in this critical area,” said Joe Ohr. “As cyber threats continue to evolve, his expertise will help ensure our members—and the broader industry—are better equipped to detect, prevent, and respond.” Certifications and Experience Wilkens holds multiple industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). NMFTA said he also maintains a Class A commercial driver’s license, providing direct insight into freight operations alongside cybersecurity expertise.

Congress Is Trying to Preempt State Robotruck Regulations

Congress Is Trying to Preempt State Robotruck Regulations Despite mounting safety concerns, House lawmakers inserted a provision into a transportation funding bill this week that would block states from establishing safeguards for self-driving trucks and other commercial vehicles — after fierce industry lobbying. After months of industry lobbying, House lawmakers inserted a provision into a must-pass transportation funding bill that would block states’ from setting safety standards for self-driving trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles — despite mounting calls for tougher safeguards. On Sunday, House lawmakers announced a deal on a congressional funding package for surface transportation and highways, which would determine policy and spending for the country’s roads, bridges, trains, and highways for the next five years. Buried in the one-thousand-page legislation was a provision that would grant a longtime wish of the autonomous vehicle industry: override state autonomous commercial vehicle regulations and instead install a light-touch national framework allowing nearly unrestricted expansion of self-driving trucks across the nation’s highways and roads. According to the Truck Safety Coalition, an advocacy group of trucking accident victims and survivors, the proposal sacrifices “commonsense safety measures to satisfy industry interests.” This preemption clause comes after dozens of states have implemented or proposed their own rules for autonomous commercial vehicles. While two dozen states have fully approved autonomous vehicles on their roads, ten states, including New York and Massachusetts, have imposed more rigorous safety and reporting requirements restricting such technologies on their thoroughfares. Pending legislation in New York and other states would furthermore require human operators to be present in every autonomous vehicle. California previously banned autonomous vehicles but revoked the law earlier this year following industry pressure. Newly released National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data show that while large truck-related fatalities are on the decline, more than 5,300 people were killed and

DoD Opens $30 Million Prize Challenge For <b>Autonomous</b> Non-Tactical Vehicles

The Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) last Friday kicked-off a $30 million prize challenge that seeks to make better use of the Pentagon’s fleet of manually-operated non-tactical vehicles (NTVs) used in the daily, but infrequent, movement of personnel and logistics by leveraging commercially-available autonomous vehicles and modern fleet management practices. Proposals are due by June 8 for the Robotic Operation for Autonomous Delivery and Sustainment (ROADS) prize challenge, and DIU wants “commercially competitive” solutions that upfront can demonstrate at… Recommended House Appropriators Pass Energy And Water Bill With Less NNSA Funds Than Requested Trending Congress Updates Navy Looks To Eventually Assemble Battleship At HII Newport News; Faces More Dem Opposition The Navy told lawmakers this week it found a dry dock at HII’s [HII] Newport News Shipbuilding shipyard it thinks can use for final assembly of the new Trump-class battleship […] Navy Leaders Downplay Looking At Foreign Navy Shipbuilding Amid Lawmaker Objections The Navy’s top leaders this week seemed to downplay and back down on the service potentially using foreign shipyards to build U.S. Navy ships or buying foreign designed warships overseas […] Senate Defense Appropriators See ‘Risk’ With Army’s Reconciliation Plan To Fund Munitions Increase The Senate’s top defense appropriators cited concern this week with the Army’s request to fund the majority of its large increase to munitions procurement in fiscal year 2027 through the […] Army Relooking At Its ‘Whole Aviation Transformation’ Plan, Acting Chief Tells Lawmakers The Army is relooking at its “whole aviation transformation initiative,” the service’s acting chief of staff told lawmakers on Tuesday, to include its approach for future procurement of “enduring” platforms. […]

<b>Driverless</b> semitrucks are coming. Here's where you can expect to see them

Driverless semitrucks are coming. Here’s where you can expect to see them (KTEN) — Driverless semitrucks may take some getting used to, but you are about to start seeing them on highways. While driverless trucks are already in some parts of the country, the autonomous routes are beginning to expand. For example, tech partners Volvo and Aurora announced they are expanding their driverless semitrucks from Dallas to Oklahoma City. Local drivers worry about sharing the road with these vehicles. “I’d rather a person be driving it because there’s people errors, but there’s also, you know, errors with technology,” Oklahoma driver Kathleen Tuiqalau said. Drivers questioned what happens if something does go wrong. “If there is a glitch or something in that program, someone can lose their life,” semitruck driver Robert Dumagan said. Capt. Scott Hampton with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said the autonomous semitrucks present new challenges for law enforcement. “That will all be a work in progress to see how public safety deals with that,” Hampton said. He added, “We’re currently training with the companies that are putting this in place.” Law enforcement officials will have to ensure the vehicles follow the rules of the road, especially when first responders are present. “They have put in protocol as to, like when emergency vehicles come up behind them, they will sense that,” Hampton said. The driverless semitrucks will also have daily inspections before the vehicles begin their routes. If a problem is detected, built-in fail-safes take over to protect surrounding traffic. “Any time they sense an issue, they are pulling over on the side of the road, putting themselves out of service, and can’t move until they are repaired,” Hampton said. The semitrucks are expected to be on routes from Dallas to Oklahoma City beginning in June. Copyright 2026 KTEN