Technologies Continue To Transform Trucking Industry
At the end of last month, it was announced that Daimler’s truck division has partnered with lidar developer Luminar to produce autonomous trucks that are capable of safely navigating highways without any human assistance. This announcement came less than a week after Daimler and Waymo made public their intention to build an automated rendition of the Freightliner Cascadia Truck. Apart from the truck automation taking the world by storm, there are also a number of other technological advances that are revolutionizing the trucking industry as we know it.
Automation is taken to a whole new level
It is not only Daimler that is hard at work to create fully-autonomous trucks. In July, it was reported that San Diego-based tech company TuSimple revealed their plans for what would be the globe’s first Autonomous Freight Network (AFN). A spokesperson described the AFN as “an ecosystem consisting of autonomous trucks, digitally mapped routes, strategically placed terminals.” While it may still be quite some time before fully-automated trucks rule the roads, the industry needs to prepare accordingly, as up to 1.7 million truckers in the USA could be replaced by self-driving trucks by 2027, according to the LA Times.
Video telematics provide superb feedback
Most truck accident lawyers will attest to the fact that truck accidents can be complex. Thankfully, video telematics is making it increasingly easy to not only enhance driver education, but provide indisputable evidence following an accident as well. There are a number of fleet telematics systems courtesy of brands such as Lytx and GOCAM that boast road and cabin-facing cameras for optimal risk detection. Additionally, systems like Netradyne’s Driveri effortlessly combine video with edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize what can be considered good driving habits while providing driver and fleet managers with constructive feedback.
Tech can reduce downtime
Inadequate truck maintenance can result in problems that are not only dangerous, but expensive as well. Thankfully constant technological advancements are being made with regards to fleet maintenance. Diagnostic tools are becoming increasingly tech-centric, making it possible to detect faults before they become a major concern. Eaton’s IntelliConnect Remote Diagnostics relays pertinent information about fault-codes to users in real-time and aids in the development of comprehensive plans of action. Prognostic maintenance-related insights can also be compiled from existing vehicle data thanks to the innovative technologies of diagnostic solutions such as Asset IO from Uptake. These technologies all have the potential to reduce fleet downtime, thus saving everyone both time and money.
Technological advances are fast transforming the trucking industry. Not only are they impacting how trucks are being controlled, but also how safe they are and how swiftly faults are identified and rectified.
