Torc Robotics, an independent subsidiary of Daimler Truck, is opening a technology and software development center in Stuttgart, Germany. Torc is currently developing Level 4 self-driving vehicle software for heavy-duty vehicles.
“Torc is working closely with Daimler Truck to optimize the entire product stack including the virtual driver, sensing and computer hardware, and the redundant chassis, to be the first company to launch a scalable and profitable self-driving product,” said Torc founder and CEO Michael Fleming. “Torc’s Stuttgart technology and software development center will leverage the deep automotive and trucking technical and product expertise to make this a reality.”
Torc Europe is an independent entity and a 100% subsidiary of Torc Robotics, with offices in Untertürkheim, located near an existing Daimler Truck R&D facility and near the Daimler Truck headquarters.
“Stuttgart is known as an area with a wealth of automotive and autonomous vehicle expertise. We hope to leverage this significant talent pool to meet our commercialization goals and support our mission of increased safety and efficiency,” added Torc VP of engineering Mike Avitabile. “Collaboration thrives because of the partnership with Daimler Truck, a leader in the trucking industry. Combining Daimler Truck’s experience with Torc’s expertise in automated vehicle software and automated truck systems will help accelerate bringing our product to market.”
In 2019, Daimler Truck invested a majority share in Torc, making it the first autonomous vehicle (AV) company to enter an integrated partnership with a truck original equipment manufacturer. Torc and Daimler Truck, with its North American entity, are ramping up development and testing in the USA, which requires support in areas such as simulation, machine learning and infrastructure.
In addition to the new development in Stuttgart, Torc recently opened a 20,000ft2 facility in Austin, Texas. In 2021, the company added a 28,0002 office space for its workforce in Blacksburg’s Corporate Research Center in Virginia. A fully operational test facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, opened in 2020. The Albuquerque location enables daily, multi-shift runs of Torc’s autonomous test trucks on highways in New Mexico and Texas.
