Self-driving lorry developer Torc Robotics has announced a new partnership with Uber Freight, Uber's logistics division. Through the agreement, Torc will have access to data and insights from Uber Freight's network of over 100,000 carriers to inform its autonomous trucking technology development and future deployment strategy.

Specifically, Uber Freight's data will provide Torc with information on optimal routes and operational domains for rolling out autonomous lorries, balancing supply and demand and logistics hubs for transferring loads. Uber Freight moves over $18 billion in freight annually.

The partnership builds on an existing relationship between the two companies through Torc's Autonomous Advisory Council, which provides guidance from industry leaders on autonomous trucking. Uber Freight has been a longstanding member, alongside companies like Schneider, C.R. England, and Penske.

"As we have always said, collaboration in the autonomous trucking industry is paramount to the technology’s deployment at scale. Our partnership with Uber Freight is a prime example of how working together with industry players will ensure the technology is integrated seamlessly, safely, and efficiently,” commented Peter Vaughan Schmidt, Torc’s CEO.

“Torc is a proven pioneer in autonomous trucking, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them on the road ahead,” said Lior Ron, Uber Freight founder and CEO. “We firmly believe that by collaborating with partners early on, we are helping incorporate the important voices of shippers and carriers across the Uber Freight network and shaping the future of freight with autonomous trucks."