Technology
FedEx expands use of robotic arms for trailer loading
FedEx announced on July 30 the deployment of Dexterity's Mech robotic trailer-loading systems at its Hagerstown Hub in Maryland. The systems use Foresight, an AI model for real-time package placement. This expansion follows years of testing and is part of FedEx's plan to automate trailer loading and unloading across more than 20 U.S. hubs in the coming years. Other companies like DHL and Amazon are also expanding robotic deployments.
Volvo, Mack latest truckmakers to roll out DEF software updates
Volvo Trucks and Mack Trucks, both Volvo Group brands, have rolled out diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) inducement software updates, following similar moves by Daimler Truck North America and Paccar. The updates, announced via July 27 press releases, aim to give fleets more time to address DEF system issues before engine derate or speed restrictions kick in. Volvo has applied the software to new D13 VGT and D13TC engines since May 2026, while Mack is installing it on new Anthem and Pioneer models with MP13 engines. Both plan to extend updates to all post-2010 vehicles by end of 2027, aligning with EPA's proposed elimination of DEF-related derates.
Toyota joins Volvo and Daimler Truck in fuel cell joint venture for heavy trucks, with equal shareholding among the three parties
Toyota Motor has signed a binding agreement to join hydrogen fuel cell company cellcentric as an equal shareholder alongside Volvo Group and Daimler Truck. The collaboration aims to strengthen the research, development, and manufacturing capabilities of fuel cell systems for heavy trucks, as well as promote the hydrogen supply chain and infrastructure construction. The transaction is expected to be completed no later than early 2027 and is subject to regulatory approval.
Toyota to join Volvo, Daimler heavy-duty fuel-cell joint venture
Toyota Motor announced the signing of a binding agreement to officially join cellcentric, a hydrogen fuel cell company founded by Volvo Group and Daimler Truck in 2021, as an equal shareholder. This move aims to strengthen cellcentric's leading position in fuel cells for heavy-duty commercial vehicles and promote the development of the hydrogen supply chain and infrastructure. The transaction is expected to be completed in early 2027, pending regulatory approval.
Aurora Innovation enters commercialization scaling phase, second-generation autonomous driving hardware costs halved
Aurora Innovation announced in its Q2 2026 earnings call that its second-generation autonomous driving system will drive hardware costs down by over 50%, and plans to achieve an annual production capacity of 1,000 trucks by October. The company expects 2026 revenue of $14 million to $16 million, and if all trucks are operational, annual revenue could reach $80 million.
Aurora Innovation enters commercial scale-up phase
Aurora Innovation executives said during an analyst call on July 29 that the company is transitioning from technology validation to commercial scale-up, with second-generation truck hardware costs expected to drop by more than 50%, and plans to deploy over 200 driverless trucks by the end of the year.
Aurora signs two carriers to launch autonomous freight
Aurora Innovation signed commercial contracts with Arizona-based carrier Value Truck and Ontario, Canada-based Charger Logistics, planning supervised runs starting in Q3 and transitioning to daily driverless operations in Q4. Routes cover key corridors including Phoenix to Fort Worth and Dallas to Laredo.
How do hydrogen fuel cell trucks compare with pure electric trucks?
In NACFE's 'Run on Less – Messy Middle' demonstration, Penske Logistics and Pilot used Hyundai Xcient hydrogen fuel cell trucks to showcase the technology's potential in return-to-base and long-haul freight corridors. The report notes that hydrogen fuel cells are suitable for structured refueling, zero direct emissions, and weight-sensitive cargo transport, but scarce infrastructure and high fuel costs limit their scalability.
How Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trucks Benchmark Against Battery Electric Models in Competition
A report released by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) shows that during last year's 'Run on Less – Messy Middle' demonstration, Hyundai Xcient hydrogen fuel cell Class 8 tractors operated by Penske Logistics and Pilot demonstrated 'real operational promise' in return-to-base and long-haul freight corridors, but cost and infrastructure remain constraints.
Carrier Transicold Launches Transport Refrigeration Unit Replacement Program
Carrier Transicold has introduced the Fleet Refresh program, which replaces transport refrigeration units through dealers and pairs it with Lynx Fleet telematics and BluEdge monitoring services, aiming to help fleets extend the life of trailer assets and address high acquisition costs and extended lead times.