Daimler unveils self-driving truck, likely on roads in 10 yrs

The autonomous truck is built on Highway Pilot system that resembles the autopilot system on an aircraft

German commercial vehicles major Daimler AG has unveiled the concept of its self-driving truck 'Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025' that is capable operating without assistance from drivers on highways.

The autonomous truck equipped with radar sensors and camera technology is built on Highway Pilot system that resembles the autopilot system on an aircraft.

The truck was showcased on the eve of 65th International Motor Show for commercial vehicles here in Germany.

Commenting on Future 2025's features, Daimler Board Member for Trucks and Buses Wolfgang Bernhard said: "Our Future Truck 2025 provides compelling answers to the challenges that our customers will be facing in the future."

He further said: "Our aim therefore is to press forward with readying this technology for the market and to bring it to a series-production standard. I am convinced this will open up a whole new business perspective for Daimler Trucks."

Daimler said the Future Truck 2025 should be on roads in 10 years time.

While unveiling the product, Bernhard also called for discussions on legality and political framework on autonomously driving trucks.

"The challenge now is to leverage this momentum and to continue our open dialogue with all parties involved, so that in ten year's time the autonomously driving truck will indeed have become an accepted feature on our roads," he added.

Daimler Trucks invests Euro 1 billion per year into research and development, the company said.

Development of self-driving vehicles are gaining traction across the global automotive sector and Google has already unveiled its driverless car.