Autonomous trucks are poised to transform freight transportation by reducing costs and addressing critical driver shortages, with the market projected to reach $600 billion by 2035. Despite a likely one-year delay in deployment, major OEMs remain committed, investing in both hardware (sensors, LiDAR, redundant systems) and AI-driven software stacks to enable safe, efficient autonomous operations. Regulatory frameworks in the EU and many US states are increasingly supportive. Rising transportation costs—driven by labor, fuel, and compliance with zero-emission standards—strengthen the business case for autonomy. However, large-scale rollout faces technical and supply challenges, especially in sourcing affordable, high-performance components and overcoming complex edge-case scenarios.

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