SAE Update - January 2024 - 11

SAE & MEMBER NEWS
mobility innovation. The addition of Torc
Robotics and Zoox will strengthen the
current membership with valuable insights
in the development of AV safety-related
best practices.
Torc Robotics is an independent
subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, a global
leader and pioneer in trucking and AVSC
collaborator. Torc Robotics has more than
18 years of experience in pioneering safetycritical
ADSs and is currently focused on
commercializing autonomous trucks for
long-haul applications in the U.S.
" We are very excited to welcome Torc
Robotics as part of the AVSC membership.
We expect their inputs to bring diverse
perceptions and ideas from the
autonomous freight world to our united
goal of developing best practices to
engender public confidence in the safe
operation of SAE level 4 and 5 AVs, " said
Darcyne Foldenauer, AVSC Director.
" It's no secret that collaboration is
paramount in the commercialization of
autonomous trucks, " commented Michelle
Chaka, Torc's Senior Vice President, Safety
and Regulatory. " The AVSC has played-
and will continue to play-a crucial role in
driving industry collaboration to help
ensure the safe testing and deployment of
autonomous vehicles, and Torc is happy to
join forces with an organization dedicated
to advancing safety across the entire
autonomous industry. "
Zoox was founded in 2014 with a mission to
make transportation safer, cleaner, and more
UPDATE
enjoyable for everyone. The company is
developing an all-electric, fully automated,
purpose-built vehicle to be operated in dense,
urban environments. Zoox currently operates
robotaxis on public roads with passengers in
Foster City, CA, and Las Vegas, NV.
" AVSC is thrilled to also welcome Zoox
into our consortium, " Foldenauer
continued. " Their safety innovation strategy
of 'Prevent and Protect' is a perfect fit with
the AVSC mission of advancing the safe
development, deployment, and fleet
operations of ADSs. "
" Safety is foundational at Zoox. With recent
advancements in autonomous technology,
we are reaching an inflection point within the
industry. Now, more than ever, there is a need
for transparent collaboration to develop
unified safety standards for this technology, "
said John Maddox, Senior Director, Safety
Policy and Strategy at Zoox. " Joining the
AVSC further enables us to provide key
insights from the development and
deployment of our purpose-built vehicle and
work together with our fellow travelers to
progress safe deployment across the
autonomous vehicle industry. "
The AVSC was originally formed as a joint
effort between SAE International, Ford,
General Motors, and Toyota. Aside from
Torc Robotics and Zoox, the consortium's
industry members include Aurora, GM/
Cruise, Lyft, Motional, Uber, Volkswagen,
and Waymo. To stay updated on the AVSC's
endeavors, click here. n
Written by GRETCHEN UHRINEK, Editor.
January 2024
11
https://avsc.sae-itc.org/contact-8039CB-49742HX.html?respondentID=43567556
SAE Update - January 2024

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