Torc Robotics expanding its Blacksburg headquarters

Blacksburg-based self-driving vehicle company Torc Robotics is adding 15,800 square feet to its headquarters, an expansion that will double its existing space.

The two-story building, which will include offices, community rooms and garage bays, is expected to be complete by March. Including offices, community rooms, garage bays and parking, the new structure is being built to accommodate a surge of new employees anticipated from Torc's pending acquisition by Daimler Trucks.

Torc and Daimler Trucks, a division of the Daimler Group, plan to commercialize highly automated trucks on U.S. roads.

After the acquisition, Torc will be part of the newly established Autonomous Technology Group — part of Daimler Trucks’ push to put highly automated trucks onto the roads within a decade.

Torc will remain a separate entity within the group. It will retain its name, existing customer base and facilities in Blacksburg.

Torc’s current job openings include positions in active sensing and information fusion, self-driving behaviors, path planning, systems engineering, vehicle safety and testing, senior-level management, planning and operations.