The railroad industry, once a pioneer in technological disruption, is getting a modern makeover with the introduction of autonomous freight trains. Startup Parallel Systems has developed a rail vehicle capable of moving several tons of freight autonomously for up to 500 miles, a distance that has been challenging for railroads to compete with shorter-haul trucking.

‘Less than 500 miles is hard for railroads to do competitively,’ Matt Soule, co-founder and CEO of Parallel Systems, told TechCrunch. ‘Our technology allows them to take some of that trucking, and it’s for the public’s benefit.’

The vehicles can travel independently or in platoons, potentially reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Parallel Systems has secured $100 million in funding, with investors including AVP, Hillspire, Agility Global, and Cobalt Capital.

Unlike traditional trains, Parallel’s vehicles feature a coupler-free design, allowing them to split up at train yards without human intervention. Their sensors monitor the tracks for safety, ensuring smooth operation.

Trucking companies are intrigued, as Parallel’s approach can help them increase the number of daily deliveries by moving freight closer to customers. Despite the competition, Parallel Systems has successfully operated in Georgia, proving the safety of its system.