New Peterbilt 579 With Aurora Driver Showcases Autonomous Capabilities At CES

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The Aurora Driver technology found on this Peterbilt Model 579 builds upon the safety and technology systems already found in Peterbilt’s flagship heavy-duty truck. (Photo courtesy of Peterbilt.)

In what appears to be a glimpse of the future, Peterbilt displayed the first Model 579 truck equipped with Aurora Driver, an autonomous driving system that meets the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Level 4 standard, at CES 2022 in Las Vegas. SAE Level 4 elevates automated driving to a point where the vehicle performs all driving tasks and the driver is essentially there to intervene if things go wrong or there is a system failure.

“Our partnership with PACCAR to co-develop self-driving Class 8 trucks builds on a deep technical foundation and years of collective expertise,” says Aurora co-founder and Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson. “The team is making progress as we prepare to launch Peterbilt’s first autonomous trucks at scale.”

The Model 579

Peterbilt says the latest iteration of its Model 579 is the most technologically advanced truck it has ever produced. The new 579 features a more aerodynamic hood and bumper, and boasts a 10% quieter cab and sleeper compartment. The Peterbilt 579 can be equipped with PACCAR’s powerful MX-11 and MX-13 engines, which range from 335 to 510 horsepower (250 to 380 kilowatts) and from 1,250 to 1,850 pounds-foot (1,695 and 2,508 newton-meters) of torque. PACCAR’s PX-9, Cummins X15, and Cummins X12N engines are also available.

Aurora Driver

Aurora has incorporated the Model 579 into its heavy-duty autonomous test fleet. Compared to SAE Level 3, or conditional driving automation, where human override is still required in certain situations, the SAE Level 4 technology found on Aurora Driver gives the truck the ability to stop itself in the event of system failure. Human drivers also have the option to manually override vehicle control. Geofencing technology requirements for SAE Level 4 limits the boundaries of where the truck can travel.

“We’re building a product and business that will make our roads safer and our supply chains more efficient,” says Anderson. “We’re excited to share a glimpse into that future at CES.”

Source: Peterbilt