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Aurora, Continental, and NVIDIA have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership to scale the deployment of driverless trucks using NVIDIA DRIVE Thor technology. The collaboration integrates NVIDIA’s cutting-edge SoC into the Aurora Driver, an SAE Level 4 autonomous driving system, with mass production slated for 2027. This partnership aims to transform autonomous trucking operations by combining Aurora’s expertise, NVIDIA’s computing power, and Continental’s manufacturing capabilities.
Key Highlights
- Aurora Driver Integration: NVIDIA DRIVE Thor will power the Aurora Driver with a dual SoC configuration for advanced navigation and inference tasks.
- Mass Manufacturing Timeline: Continental plans to mass-produce the Aurora Driver hardware by 2027, with prototypes being tested soon.
- Aurora’s Milestones: Aurora aims to launch its driverless trucking service in Texas by April 2025.
- CES 2025 Showcase: Continental will unveil a prototype of the Aurora Driver hardware and Volvo VNL Autonomous at CES.
Aurora, a leader in autonomous trucking, is finalizing the validation of its Aurora Driver for deployment on public roads. The Aurora Driver incorporates advanced sensors, including lidar, radar, and cameras, to operate safely at highway speeds. Its verifiable AI technology ensures adaptability and rigorous safety validations to meet regulatory standards and build public trust. Aurora’s driverless trucking service is expected to launch in Texas in April 2025, paving the way for large-scale deployment.
Continental is developing a specialized hardware generation for the Aurora Driver, emphasizing reliability, cost efficiency, and high-volume manufacturing readiness. The hardware includes a secondary safety system designed to take over in the event of a primary system failure. Production of these kits is expected to begin in 2027, with prototypes under development for immediate testing.
NVIDIA’s DRIVE Thor, based on the Blackwell architecture, will serve as the primary computing platform for the Aurora Driver. The system accelerates inference tasks critical for autonomous vehicles and integrates seamlessly with Aurora’s self-driving software. Production samples of DRIVE Thor are anticipated in 2025, aligning with Aurora’s operational milestones.
At CES 2025, Continental will showcase its collaboration with Aurora, including the Volvo VNL Autonomous, which integrates seamlessly with the Aurora Driver. The event will provide an exclusive look at the evolving technology, with a prototype Aurora Driver hardware kit on display.
This collaboration exemplifies the convergence of technology, manufacturing, and innovation, highlighting the transformative potential of autonomous trucking to enhance operational efficiency and roadway safety.
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