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Freightliner Inspiration autonomous commercial truck (pictures)

Unveiled today in Las Vegas, this big-rig features a Highway Pilot system that lets it drive itself during long highway hauls.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The Inspiration Truck doesn't transform, but it can roll out without a driver's intervention on the highway.

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2 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Just above the shiny new plate is the sensor package that lets the Inspiration watch the road when the driver isn't.

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3 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The autonomous Inspiration gets its license to drive in state of Nevada.

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4 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The truck's design is a futuristic spin on the classic commercial truck proportions.

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5 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The truck's design is a futuristic spin on the classic commercial truck proportions.

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6 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Blue illumination indicates that the Inspiration is no ordinary truck.

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7 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The driver is still necessary. He or she remains in control of the vehicle in the event that conditions prevent confident autonomy (such as snow or rain).

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8 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Autonomous tech should, according to Freightliner, reduce accidents due to driver fatigue.

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9 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The truck rides low on aerodynamic wheels.

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10 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Much of the Freightliner autonomous tech present here draws upon and builds on Mercedes-Benz' work in the field.

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11 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The truck can steer to keep itself between lane markers, maintain a safe distance behind a lead vehicle, and safely pass if asked.

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12 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Stereoscopic cameras behind this panel feed 3D imagery to the truck's electronic brain.

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13 of 13 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The Inspiration Truck doesn't transform, but it can roll out without a driver's intervention on the highway.

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