Daimler Trucks North America has unveiled the world’s first autonomous semi-trailer truck, a report said.

The “Freightliner Inspiration Truck” has a driver, but they are able to hand over control to a computer if the traffic and environmental conditions are met, added the Global Construction Review report.

Daimler calls the self-driving mode the “Highway Pilot” system. The hauler has been licensed to operate on highways in the US state of Nevada, the report added.

The pilot uses a complex stereo camera and radar systems to keep the truck in its lane, regulate its speed and steer. The system does not initiate autonomous passing manoeuvres, nor will it leave the highway or change lanes. The driver can deactivate the pilot manually and is able to override the system at any time, the report said.

Daimler adapted the Highway Pilot from the Active Cruise Control-plus system on its Mercedes-Benz Actros truck, and it has so far covered more than 10,000 miles on a test circuit in Germany.

The company said its research into drivers’ brain activity showed that drowsiness decreased by about 25 per cent when the truck was operated in autonomous mode.

Other advantages are in fuel savings. According to a study conducted by consultant Frost & Sullivan, an autonomously driven heavy-duty truck can achieve fuel savings of up to 7 per cent.

The truck is currently a concept vehicle, but it is representative of a developing tend towards driverless vehicles, said the report.