Kodiak Robotics has announced that its autonomous semi-trucks are ready for scaled deployment, raising questions about the safety and viability of self-driving technology on highways. Unlike previous attempts by companies like Cruise to operate driverless vehicles, which were plagued by setbacks and accidents, Kodiak claims to have addressed the challenges and is confident in the functionality of its trucks.
One of the key points raised by Kodiak is the simplicity of the operating environment for their self-driving semi-trucks. Unlike busy city streets with frequent road closures and pedestrians, interstates offer a less complex setting. Kodiak believes that this reduced complexity will make their trucks safer than previous robotaxis.
To ensure safety, Kodiak has implemented redundancy measures throughout their autonomous system. The trucks are equipped with 12 cameras, six radar units, and four LiDAR units, along with microphones to detect emergency vehicle sirens. Furthermore, the steering and braking systems have redundancy built-in, with multiple actuators to maintain control even if one fails. In the event of a complete system failure, the trucks are designed to safely pull over.
The new model unveiled by Kodiak features improved technology compared to its previous iterations. It boasts higher-resolution LiDAR, increased range detection from side-mounted radar, and faster computer processing speeds. These enhancements contribute to Kodiak’s confidence in launching their self-driving trucks at scale.
Critics and road safety advocacy groups, however, express concerns about the safety of autonomous big rigs. With 80,000-pound trucks potentially traveling at high speeds without a human driver, the risks are significant. Opposition to driverless technology in the trucking industry is widespread, making it crucial for Kodiak to prove the reliability and safety of their product.
As the debate surrounding self-driving vehicles continues, Kodiak Robotics hopes to demonstrate that their autonomous semi-trucks are up to the challenge of operating on American highways. Only time will tell if their technology truly marks a turning point in the future of transportation.
The source of the article is from the blog shakirabrasil.info