Joerger Weighs In on Autonomous Trucking in Tucson

On Aug. 10, 2018, a semitruck drove between Tucson and Phoenix without any human intervention. That truck will grow into a fleet of 50 vehicles by June. 

These long-haul semitrucks, operated and programmed by technology company TuSimple, still have humans onboard in case of an emergency. But that may not be the case for long.

With the concept of autonomous vehicles becoming mainstream, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration developed a chart detailing “six levels of driver assistance technology.” The levels range from zero, where this is no automation, to five, where the vehicle is capable of performing all driving functions. TuSimple’s trucks are currently driving at level four, in which the vehicle is capable of performing all driving functions, but only under certain conditions, such as only on specific routes. 

“The technology is not at level five, but improvements are being made and getting closer,” said Mathieu Joerger, an assistant professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering at UA. “We’re on the path to full automation.”

Joerger’s research focuses on using aircraft navigation safety standards to ensure the safety of autonomous vehicles. Safety is one of the most emphasized benefits of autonomous vehicles. And while Joerger said there are many benefits to automation, he also believes safely taking humans out of vehicles is huge challenge. 

“The challenge is not whether you can get an autonomous vehicle to go from L.A. to New York, the challenge is whether you can safely do it a million times,” Joerger said. 

TuSimple also plans to grow engineering jobs, many of which come directly from the University of Arizona. The company's expanding presence in town is estimated to create an economic impact of over $1 billion in the next five years.