Autonomous trucks are on their way, and their impact on transportation will be immense.
Self-driving trucks have the potential to enhance supply chain efficiency, lower fuel costs and promote road safety by reducing accidents. Furthermore, studies have discovered that these vehicles help lower carbon emissions – making them a greener solution in transportation.
Many companies, such as Waymo and TuSimple, have begun testing autonomous vehicles. With these innovations in place, these startups hope to make semi- and fully driverless trucks a reality within the next decade.
These trucks have various sensors built-in that connect to a computer, enabling them to read traffic signals, signs and track pedestrians. Furthermore, these trucks have the capacity to sense lane markings, curbs and other vehicles.
Thus, they can create a digital map and control actuators such as acceleration, braking and steering. Furthermore, the truck’s software should be updated periodically in order to keep it operating efficiently and reliably.
Though the technology is still in development, some companies have already started seeing their first autonomous trucks drive on their own. These vehicles won’t have a human driver inside but may have an onboard safety operator who can take over in case of emergency or need for quick lane changes.
This will be a seismic shift for the trucking industry, impacting not only long-haul drivers but also local ones. Drivers must adjust to this new technology by learning new tasks and developing necessary skillsets for their job.
Some worry that the shift to self-driving trucks will result in fewer jobs. On the other hand, some believe these vehicles will be more efficient and drivers could use their time more productively for other tasks.
Some trucking companies are creating “transfer hubs” that can be utilized to transfer driverless trucks between cities and other locations. These facilities serve as truck stops, providing drivers with a place to rest, shower and grab some food and drinks.
But it’s essential to note that there are still numerous issues with this technology. Aside from the high costs – which can reach up to $80,000 – there are also worries that they might not be able to safely operate in extreme weather conditions.
Experts contend that several regulations must be altered in order for these trucks to become legal, creating a potential headache for trucking companies and their drivers. As a result, many are wary of introducing this technology into the industry.
Aside from these worries, there is also concern that a major shift in the trucking industry could result in an uptick of accidents. Fortune recently noted that more than 5,000 lives were lost to large truck crashes last year alone and this number is likely to rise as drivers leave this profession.
