Volvo’s New Autonomous Big Rig Braking Technology Allows 40-Ton Semi Trucks to Stop Instantly

By: | March 8th, 2015

Volvo is pushing the envelope when it comes to autonomous braking technology, with its latest innovation being a collision warning/early braking system.

The new technology from Volvo Trucks Global was designed with safety in mind, allowing a big-rig loaded down with cargo to stop on a dime should a Volvo semi-truck need to avoid a crash or say the driver were to fall asleep at the wheel.

In the video below, you can see a Volvo truck packed with 40 tons of cargo stop in a split second, all on its own.

Mercedes-Benz has a similar self-driving semi-truck in development, called the “Future Truck,” that seeks to make long-distance trucking easier and control labor costs.

While I’m sure this new trend features super advanced technology, I’m still not sure how much I trust a big rig to stop on a dime behind me, by itself, in traffic…

Hopefully, time will ease all of our reservations about autonomous vehicle technology.

Marshall Smith

Technology, engineering, and design enthusiast.

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