Farm Progress America, January 9, 2024

Mike Pearson takes a look at three tech companies seeking approval to take drivers out of semi-trucks completely.

The self-driving technology is not new.

There are three companies working on the technology: Aurora Innovations, Kodiak Robotics and Gatik AI and have been testing trucks.

The tests have been in the southern part of the USA where weather is not a problem and permitting is easier to obtain.

Chris Urmson, CEO Aurora Innovations, says the company expects to remove drivers from the trucks later this year.

The trucks are equipped with sensors and cameras to navigate the roadways.

However, truck unions are against the idea. The union reminds companies that self driving trucks can't put on binders, straps or chains for loads. They essentially can't replace humans.

However, trucking companies say the machines can work past the 11 hour mark where humans can't so it helps to recoup costs.

The good news is that there have been no at fault accidents since the testing began and it will be up to the supervision of the state for the trucks operation.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness .