- Californian start-up wants to cut the cost of transportation
- Humble Hauler promises level 4 autonomous driving
- Motorized trailer setup can be configured in several ways
If you need visual proof that we’re rushing headlong into a Philip K Dick future, just take a quick look at the Humble Hauler from California start-up Humble Robotics.
This prototype is a very self-contained concept that hopes to replace drivers with a blunt, cab-less design and serious computing power – all to help the company cut costs and improve efficiency in the trucking industry.
According to Humble, this is the first of its kind as it’s a “trucker that reasons like a human”, while the streamlined “cargo design” means it can act as a tractor, trailer and driver… all in one.
Essentially a motorized electric trailer on wheels, the futuristic robot can fit both international and domestic containers in its cargo area.
It is also capable of DC fast charging for efficient operation and can handle a maximum range of 200 miles on a single charge.
A quick scan of the very flashy website reveals that the concept can be configured to handle a variety of cargo, with a six-wheel concrete mixer sitting side-by-side with an eight-wheel freighter.
Analysis: no humans required
According to Inside EVs, the first prototype is predominantly designed to work in and around warehouses, railways and ports, but its 55-mph top speed and Level 4 autonomous capabilities could see it hit the highway one day.
Using the popular vision-language-action (VLA) models, a smart use of artificial intelligence also leveraged by Hyundai’s Motional robotaxi service and more, the Humble Hauler is better equipped to reason in real-world scenarios and make difficult decisions without human intervention.
Humble Robotics CEO Eyal Cohen has previously held titles at Apple, Uber and Waabi, and has helped the start-up raise around $24 million in funding.
“We’re making freight sustainable, safe and efficient in a way no one thought possible,” explains Cohen, according to Inside EVs.
While it’s still a pilot program for now, the company says it’s already working with major logistics and supply chain players, which is likely bad news for anyone hoping for a career in shipping and transportation.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on YouTube and TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
