Torc Robotics, one of the first self-driving vehicle technology companies in the U.S., created an advisory council of trucking industry leaders to guide the AI company as it works to scale and commercialize its autonomous freight solution.
The Torc Autonomous Advisory Council (TAAC), announced on March 29, includes Baton, C.H. Robinson, Covenant Logistics, Penske Truck Leasing, Ryder System, and Schneider. Daimler Truck North America, which has a majority stake in the robotics company, is the sole original equipment manufacturer on the TAAC. The company said these industry partners would help Torc achieve its goal to be the first scalable, profitable, commercialized Level 4 AV truck solution in the market.
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As the autonomous trucking race heats up in the freight and logistics industries, more companies wonder how AV tractors can integrate into their systems, Andrew Culhane, Torc's chief strategy officer, told FleetOwner before the TAAC announcement.
“When I’m talking to customers these days, I rarely talk about the autonomous, self-driving aspects,” he explained. “Those are table stakes now. We better be able to do that—because otherwise, why are we having a conversation? Now it’s getting into the sweet spots of most fleets and logistics folks where they know the problems. They’ve seen enough new tech in the 10 years roll in—automated manual transmissions, ADAS features, and they’re looking at electric down the road—and the challenges and impacts of those things coming online.”
Fleets are looking for how AV products—such as what Torc is working on at its testing center in Albuquerque, New Mexico—will impact their daily life much faster, Culhane said. “New technology doesn’t need just to be another weight. We need to do it in a thoughtful way … trying to manage that, I think, is the most critical part.”
TAAC looks to help Torc find that thoughtful way into the supply chain. Torc called TAAC “cross-functional” as it includes companies with various trucking industry backgrounds in courier and parcel delivery, less-than-truckload, full truckload, technology, and logistics. In addition, the robotics company will look for insights into the needs of the freight industry, validate logistics and operations development (hub logistics, tracking, etc.), and optimize safe autonomous trucking operations in the existing network.
The council “will help shape the future of the trucking transportation industry,” Rob Reich, Schneider EVP and chief administrative officer, said. “We see great potential for this technology to improve efficiency while helping to lower cost. Being part of the council allows carriers like Schneider to have a strong voice in how autonomous vehicles (AVs) are developed and tested and how this technology will complement our professional over-the-road driver associates.”
Torc has been testing its technology—outfitted on Freightliner Cascadia tractors—in Albuquerque for a couple of years, bringing in various fleets and other industry leaders to show them its potential and how it could fold into their various operations. The council, which meets four times a year, recently held its Q1 2022 meeting there.
“Torc has a history of collaborating with our partners who are experts in their field,” said Michael Fleming, Torc founder and CEO. “The Torc Autonomous Advisory Council is the next step in the process of incorporating deep industry insights and expertise as Torc works to commercialize autonomous trucking. We view this Council as a vital part of our work to integrate autonomous trucking into the existing freight industry while ensuring autonomous trucking benefits are realized with optimum safety.”
The Torc council meets quarterly and focuses on interactive discussions and brainstorming on various topics. TAAC recently held its Q1 2022 meeting in Albuquerque. Members have visited Torc’s Albuquerque test center and have participated in demonstrations in Torc autonomous trucks. The expertise shared by members of the TAAC will bring Torc one step closer to commercializing self-driving trucks.
“At C.H. Robinson, we see the potential for AV technology to transform logistics and to essentially create a new mode of freight transportation,” said Pat Nolan, C.H. Robinson VP of North American operations. “That’s why we’re joining the Torc Autonomous Advisory Council to help maximize the benefits for the industry, to ease the capacity crunch for shippers, and to serve as a voice for our 85,000 carriers. Making sure shippers have access to AV and making sure smaller carriers are represented in the conversation is critical. We know Torc shares that belief.”
