Autonomous trucking, once regarded as the stuff of science fiction, is gradually moving closer to viability in real-world freight operations after years of investment, development and on-road testing.

The process of developing, validating and ultimately commercializing fully autonomous trucks has proven to be a long and arduous journey, but there is no shortage of software developers and technologists dedicated to accomplishing that mission.

LAS VEGAS — The pathway toward large-scale commercialization of self-driving trucks became clearer at CES 2024 as tech startups unveiled upgrades to their autonomous driving systems.

Kodiak Robotics introduced what it billed as the world’s first driverless-ready semi-truck designed for scaled deployment at CES in Las Vegas this week.

Aeva Technologies Inc. has won a multiyear contract to supply Daimler Truck Holding AG with technology to help advance autonomous driving on highways.

Driverless trucks with no humans on board will soon cruise Texas highways if three firms have their way despite objections from critics who say finances, not safety, is behind the timetable.

Autonomous trucks could unlock ­safety improvements and greater freight efficiency in the coming years, but they won't be a one-size-fits-all solution for the entire trucking industry.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 22 vetoed a bill that for five years would have banned autonomous trucks from being tested on public roads in the state without drivers in the cab.

If California's Assembly Bill 316 becomes law, driverless trucks won’t be able to drive down state highways without a human driver present until at least 2031.

Ohio and Indiana have agreed to test partially automated trucks on a 166-mile stretch of Interstate 70 between Columbus, Ohio, and Indianapolis beginning as early as October.