Self-driving vehicle technology firm Torc Robotics, a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, is set to acquire Algolux Incfor its intellectual property and expertise in the areas of computer vision and machine learning.

Joanna Buttler, head of Autonomous Technology Group at Daimler Truck AG, said Algolux’s perception capabilities will bring them a step closer to reaching its goal to bring SAE Level 4 autonomous trucks into series production in the USA within this decade .

Peter Vaughan Schmidt, Torc CEO, said Algolux’s technology, at the intersection of deep learning, computer vision, and computational imaging, will help Torc strengthen key capabilities towards the commercialisation of Level 4 autonomous trucking.

Algolux has been consistently recognised for excellence in its field and has been named to the 2021 CB Insights AI 100 List of the world’s most innovative artificial intelligence startups. Torc has been working closely with the company for over a year on multiple perception concepts and methods for robustly improving object detection and distance estimation, while evaluating synergies between the two companies.

Robust perception technology is key to helping Torc’s autonomous system correctly identify objects in difficult visual conditions such as low light, fog, or inclement weather.

Algolux software is currently operating on initial Freightliner Cascadia test vehicles in the U.S. and is being included in areas of Torc’s software development efforts.

“This acquisition brings together Algolux’s end-to-end AI stack, from photons to behaviour, with Torc’s pioneering autonomous technology. Add in a tightly integrated OEM truck platform and you have a dream scenario,” said Felix Heide, Algolux CTO.

“While many think of autonomous transportation as futuristic, this winning combination will help bring to market a commercially viable, safety-critical long- haul trucking application at scale.”