Daimler Trucks Unveils Latest Iteration of Autonomous Truck Platform for Torc Robotics

Jakarta - Daimler Truck is delivering the latest iteration of its autonomous-ready truck platform to Torc Robotics. The iterative programming of Torc's cutting-edge autonomous driving technology is being applied to the 5th Generation Freightliner Cascadia truck, which features Torc Robotics' redundant safety features. Torc Robotics is now entering the mass production phase in preparation for commercial launch.

"Bringing the latest iteration of our autonomous-ready vehicle platform, including production-destined autonomy hardware to Torc, marks an important milestone for Daimler Truck on its path to serial maturity and scaling," said Joanna Buttler, Head of Daimler Truck's Autonomous Technology Group, in a statement on Wednesday (April 16, 2025).

Daimler Truck stated that Daimler Truck North America is the first in the trucking industry to develop a mass-production autonomous vehicle platform. The company is developing SAE Level 4 autonomous driving technology by designing and building redundancy systems on the Freightliner Cascadia platform. According to Daimler Truck, this is done for safety-critical systems for safe, driverless operation.

Daimler Truck plans to launch a truck with SAE Level 4 autonomous driving technology on the market in 2027

With over 1,500 technical requirements, Daimler Truck translates them into features and a second set of electronically controlled systems, such as the power grid. These systems are integrated into the Cascadia, which is poised to set the industry standard for the integration of end-to-end autonomous systems.

In 2024, Torc Robotics achieved a milestone by successfully completing driverless trials on a multi-lane test track in Texas. As a next step, Daimler Truck and Torc Robotics will continue developing autonomous trucks to achieve safe driverless capabilities on public roads.

In addition to existing routes in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona, the trucks will also be tested in autonomous mode on a new route in Texas between Laredo and Dallas.

According to Daimler Truck, this new generation of Class 8 trucks, which are selling well in the North American market, is a truck that redefines the benchmark for safety, efficiency, and profitability. In addition to key features to improve aerodynamics and business efficiency, the new truck offers expanded capabilities for the Detroit Assurance Suite of Safety Systems, an all-new Intelligent Braking Control System, and Dual Stage Intelligent LED Headlights.

This latest version of the Freightliner on-highway truck also improves fuel economy by more than 35 percent since the model was first introduced in 2007. Daimler Truck North America installed all critical computing and sensor hardware during the vehicle's production process. This preparation enabled Torc Robotics to seamlessly integrate its virtual driver into deliveries.

“Our strong collaboration with Daimler Truck builds on six years of success in advancing the future of freight transportation. The full integration of Torc's autonomous driver with Daimler Truck's Freightliner Cascadia platform creates the industry's first scalable, physical AI autonomous truck solution. This will unlock tremendous value for our customers by addressing key industry pain points and presenting a clear opportunity to generate revenue and drive meaningful transformation across the industry,” said Torc Robotics CEO Peter Vaughan Schmidt.

Daimler Truck and Torc Robotics plan to enter the US market with SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks in 2027. The autonomous driving system will take over all dynamic driving tasks between two freight hubs. Autonomous trucks can improve business operations and manage increased freight volumes, especially during driver shortages.

Autonomous trucks also have the potential to reduce accidents, as the system remains alert and never tires. Daimler Truck has highlighted the highly scalable and profitable market opportunity that autonomous driving is expected to offer.