During one test run, the truck struggled to remain in its lane around a construction zone and curved section of Interstate 25 near Mile High Stadium in Denver. Savage noted that while many passenger car drivers were also struggling with this area, he could not back Otto's project without performance enhancements.
Within weeks, he said, the company had tweaked the technology so it was able to navigate the same stretch with precision.
Later in the process, Savage said Otto completed five consecutive off-highway tests without disengaging the system – meaning there was never a need for any human engagement.
Throughout the months of testing, he said there were often reminders of the dangers that already exist on the highways.
During one last-night test with a large police escort surrounding the truck, one nearby car seemed to be driving erratically. The situation became so concerning, one of the escort vehicles broke away to pull over the car – and ended up arresting that driver for being drunk.
As for the actual shipment, a driver was in the seat and in communication with law enforcement the entire trip. No human interaction was required during the time on the interstate. Since this delivery and following a legal dispute with Waymo, Otto has since been merged into Uber’s Advanced Technologies Group.
During his presentation, Savage was cautious to overhype driverless trucks, and said many questions remain, such as who - or what - would receive a ticket from a police officer when there is an accident involving a vehicle in autonomous mode. Yet it was also clear that Savage’s experience with Otto left him convinced these emerging technologies would create safer highways in the years to come.
