Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck, is opening a technology and software development centre in Stuttgart, Germany, to support the ongoing development of a Level 4 autonomous virtual driver for deployment in self-driving trucks in the US.
Torc added it will tap into the available talent pool in one of Germany’s prime automotive regions, it is now hiring software engineers, data scientists, and architects in the areas of systems, safety, validation, and product development.
Furthermore, its office is located in Stuttgart’s district Untertuerkheim, in close proximity to an existing Daimler Truck R&D facility and not far from the Daimler Truck headquarters.
“Torc is working closely with Daimler Truck to optimise the entire product stack including the virtual driver, sensing and computer hardware, and the redundant chassis, to be the first company to launch a scalable and profitable self-driving product,” said Torc founder and CEO Michael Fleming.
“Torc’s Stuttgart technology and software development centre will leverage the deep automotive and trucking technical and product expertise to make this a reality.”
Torc and Daimler Truck are collaboratively pursuing a common goal of developing and bringing autonomous trucks for long-haul trucking to the roads within the decade.
In 2019, Daimler Truck invested a majority share in Torc, the first autonomous vehicle company to enter an integrated partnership with a truck original equipment manufacturer. Torc and Daimler Truck, with its North American entity, are currently ramping up development and testing in the US.
Torc’s testing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, allows daily, multi-shift runs of Torc’s autonomous test trucks on highways in New Mexico and Texas.
