Freightliner Unveils World's First Self-Driving Semi Truck

Daimler's Freightliner Inspiration is the world's first self-driving big rig. (Credit: Daimler AG) Most discussions about the future of automated delivery services focus on the allure of flying drones dreamed up by Amazon and DHL. But one company is proving it doesn’t hurt to keep your ambitions grounded. On Tuesday, Daimler AG unveiled the world’s first fully autonomous big rig, the Freightliner Inspiration, during a demonstration atop the Hoover Dam. When safely on the interstate, truck drivers can simply activate the Inspiration’s highway mode and get a head start on office work rather than checking blind spots and switching lanes. Daimler believes the Inspiration will help lower maintenance costs, cut down on drowsy driving and keep the roads safer.