Every industry benefits from technology because it creates a more productive working environment and leads to more remarkable outcomes. However, as trucking adopts current improvements that may transform how this mode of transportation operates, recent technological advancements continue to turn this perception on its head. The progress of technology will significantly impact every part of the truck business in the future. Therefore, this blog will illustrate how trucking will advance in the future for improved productivity.
Self-driving technology
The famous Tesla self-driving is built with sensors, actuators, advanced algorithms, machine learning systems, and robust Processor cores to run the software. Based on several sensors placed in various automobile places, self-driving cars build and update a map of their surroundings. Similarly, there is a good likelihood that trucks will also be self-driving in the future.
The integration of autopilot is the truck industry’s next big advancement. This is a fascinating choice since it allows truck drivers to concentrate on managing and communicating the transportation process while on the road rather than operating the vehicle.
Automatic Safety Systems Opening Up New Horizons
If you’ve recently seen a self-driving vehicle, you’ve already experienced technological developments that will eventually lead to self-driving trucks. The cornerstone of autonomous vehicle technology, automatic safety systems, is currently standard equipment in many consumer automobiles.
- Lane-assist technology is one such piece of technology. Lane-assist provides warnings to drivers when they cross lane markings using a variety of sensors. Some people even turn the wheel in the opposite direction to keep the vehicles in their lane.
- To detect immovable things up front, other vehicles have forward collision warnings. This technology warns truck drivers when a collision is imminent and activates emergency braking if they cannot stop in time.
For instance, if there are unusual road conditions, a lack of understanding about the route ahead, or when it is time to exit the highway, the truck’s sensor will alert the driver with a visual alert to put his hands back on the wheel. In addition, the system may perform excellently when exposed to natural conditions like severe winds or other weather conditions.
Additionally, a self-driving truck would even be manufactured with a feature of activating the “controlled emergency stop” mood if the truck driver ignores the alert. A combination of cameras and radar can be used to offer
- Roadway stability
- Speed limitation
- Steering
- Collision prevention
- Braking
- Fuel usage and general driving habits
As a result, the driver can keep an eye on the front and back of the truck, depending on where they are sitting. For example, if they are resting in the back of the truck, they can check the tablet to see what is happening up ahead, and if they are in the front, they can check what is happening behind them. This also provides a clear view of the blind spots, which helps increase safety.
Platooning
Self-driving trucks are convoyed together using the “follow the leader” tactic known as platooning. This tactic involves two (or more) trucks travelling in a straight line. A person drives the initial truck. The following vehicles don’t have any human employees at all. Instead, they use sensors and cloud-based communications to maintain the proper distance as they follow the lead truck.
Platooning is a desirable tactic for several reasons. First, allowing one driver to control two or more trucks increases efficiency. Additionally, it results in fuel savings because the following trucks encounter less wind resistance and use less petroleum.
Use of IoT technology
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a class of non-standard computing devices that can wirelessly connect to a network and transmit data. The trucking business with a truck like Tata SFC has a lot to benefit from IoT devices. These Internet-connected devices have the ability to communicate a variety of data for supply chain management and optimisation, particularly when it comes to over-the-road freight.
Accurate Location Monitoring
IoT devices can address a logistical sector issue that frequently arises at their most basic level. For instance, questions precisely, where is my cargo, and when can I anticipate it to arrive? In the future, it will be easy to provide consumers with more accurate information and reposition trucks as necessary to prevent delivery delays by providing precise location tracking.
Shipping Status
Customers can be reassured that cargo is handled appropriately during its journey by using IoT shipping status gadgets. For example, devices can monitor variables like temperature and humidity, which might be crucial for customers transporting high-end alcoholic beverages and agricultural items.
Free Cargo Area
Additionally, some trucking companies use cargo sensors to instantly determine whether a trailer space is available. With this knowledge, they can plan pickups along a truck’s delivery route to optimise cargo flow and reduce travel distance.
Preventative maintenance
Finally, some businesses are installing Internet of Things (IoT) devices on their trucks to determine when maintenance is necessary to avoid breakdowns. Truck sensors send data to their Uptime network on various variables, including engine and gearbox efficiency.
Therefore, there is a lot of data generated by IoT technology. There is even more technology to help shippers, carriers, and supply chain managers make sense of it all.
Processing Data With AI
In logistics and transportation, analytics and the capacity for data-driven decision-making are hot topics. Given the wealth of data that IoT devices may provide, it is simple to understand how the trucking sector would benefit from the ability to gather, process, and analyse data. There is another aspect to all of this data gathering, though. It becomes challenging to show and explore the wealth of stats and metrics accessible in a way that informs crucial decisions.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can provide forecasts and recommendations that will result in new efficiencies and significantly impact how cargo is transported across roads by utilising large data sets that are too complicated for the human brain to understand.
Route Optimisation
AI-driven dashboards may generate several routing options. Not only that but it also projects arrival time, by taking into account many crucial elements. Those elements are current trailer capacity, traffic information, warehouse lead time, and more.
Purchasing and Execution
AI-based technologies can help with demand planning by analysing historical data. For instance, AI-powered software may forecast where and what goods or supplies will be required, examine existing stock levels, and then plan delivery routes accordingly. In addition, rerouting suggestions can be made using AI technology in reaction to changes in demand or traffic patterns.
Conclusion
Although we can’t see the future, we can see what will happen shortly. We are looking directly at the quick technological advancement and virtually endless opportunities provided by the trucking industry, which had its ups and downs.
The first step was taken a long time ago; early inventions were not as advanced as those developed today, but they served as a springboard for some truly remarkable feats in human history. Unfortunately, we often assume that there is nothing else that can be created after a new advancement. Still, every scale presents us with the chance and drive to advance our methods and discover a fresh approach to the impossibility.
The future may appear frightening, but it’s not at all so. Embrace your future as a privilege and revel in the opportunities it presents.