"Driverless trucks" are getting a lot of attention, especially as a potential solution to the truck driver shortage, which is at an all-time high. Companies are innovating to make many aspects of trucking easier and to assist drivers in safer truck operation, which means automating parts of the job. But the truth? Trucking technology still has a long way to go before trucks are rolling down the road without drivers. What the trucking industry does have today is advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that use innovative technology to assist drivers in safer vehicle operation and productivity. A nearer-term impact of ADAS is risk mitigation. These systems not only make life easier for the driver, but can also save trucking companies significant money. If these technologies can turn just one accident into a near miss, companies can save thousands of dollars in property damage. The immediate goal of ADAS is to help fleets avoid these costs and, most importantly, reduce the number and severity of accidents. According to Scott Smay, director of engineering at International Truck, the following capabilities will pave the way to driverless trucks.
- eWeek