Illinois-based International Motors has started customer fleet trials with second-generation autonomous vehicles in partnership with Silicon Valley firm PlusAI.

International will start piloting its autonomous on-highway tractor along the Interstate-35 corridor between Laredo and Dallas with select fleet operators. The fleet trials will be managed from International’s autonomous hub in San Antonio, ensuring close collaboration with customers and a deeper understanding of real-world applications.

The second-generation autonomous tractor has an updated sensor suite and computer which has been factory installed on an International LT series powered by the S13 integrated powertrain and AI-based SuperDrive autonomous driving software from PlusAI.

Trained directly from real-world driving data, SuperDrive is built on end-to-end AI models that make it easily adaptable to new routes, geographies and driving conditions. The multimodal sensor kit combines imaging radar, lidar and cameras placed around the vehicle. With 360-degree vision, these technologies deliver precise and efficient autonomous operation while prioritising safety and reliability.

“This pilot programme is a big step towards seamless digital operations that are designed to deliver an exceptional customer experience,” said Tobias Glitterstam, International’s chief strategy officer. “By working hand-in-hand with our customers, we are proving the commercial viability of autonomous technologies and providing innovations that improve safety, efficiency and the bottom line.”

As part of broader efforts to drive the future of road freight, International and PlusAI are working to bring scalable, factory-installed autonomous technology to the transportation industry. The collaboration builds on a shared commitment to creating hardware and software that are technologically advanced and commercially viable for hub-to-hub operations. The customer fleet trials provide an opportunity to incorporate feedback and refine the autonomous system.

“Deep customer collaboration is essential to understanding how autonomous systems can optimise freight routes, enhance safety and lower operating costs,” said James Cooper, International’s director of autonomous business development. “This shared learning will guide the roadmap for scaling autonomy across major freight hubs, beginning with key corridors like I-35.”

As the transportation industry continues to move towards an autonomous and connected future, International and its partners say they are laying the foundation for scalable logistics operations. By aligning innovation with customer needs, the company aims to enable safer, more efficient and economically sustainable road freight.

The goal remains to transform logistics with factory-installed, autonomous vehicles that seamlessly integrate into real-world freight operations.

Based in Lisle, Illinois, International Motors (www.international.com) builds trucks, engines, and school and commercial buses. It also develops Fleetrite aftermarket parts. As of 2021, it joined Scania, Man Truck & Bus and Volkswagen Truck & Bus in the Traton Group (traton.com).

PlusAI (www.plus.ai) pioneers AI-based virtual driver software for factory-built autonomous trucks. Headquartered in Silicon Valley with operations in the USA and Europe, PlusAI partners with Traton Group, Hyundai Motor, Iveco, Bosch and DSV to accelerate the deployment of autonomous trucks.