The trucking industry is looking for a makeover, at least that’s if Daimler Trucks has anything to say about it. The trucking company recently unveiled a self-driving truck that they have titled Future Truck 2025. The prototype made its debut in Germany on the infamous Autobahn, hauling a full load and exceeding speeds of 50 mph. It did all this without a driver, thanks to Daimler’s Highway Pilot system.
Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, the management member responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses, said, as reported by The Detroit Bureau, “Autonomous driving will revolutionize road freight transport and create major benefits for everyone involved. With the Future Truck 2025, Daimler Trucks is once again highlighting its pioneering role in innovative technologies and opening up a new era in truck transport.”
The idea of switching to self-driving trucks may make many professionals in the trucking industry tense about the thought of being replaced. Still, it may be a necessary step in improving safety and increasing productivity. The recent accident involving Tracey Morgan was caused by a driver who had not slept in over 24 hours. This accident was not an isolated incident. According to TruckingInfo.net, there are approximately 5,000 deaths related to trucking every year.
Dr. Bernhard does not image that switching to an automated system will even result in a loss in jobs, but rather he believes that by freeing up truckers from driving so much, it will allow them to spend time more constructively.
“It will be possible for truckers to advance to new positions as transport managers, making truck driving a more attractive profession,” Dr. Bernhard explained.
In addition, trucks will move more efficiently, with fewer accidents, which will result in greater profits and a greater work flow. A study released by ProgTrans AG believes freight movement will increase by 20 percent by 2025. By 2050, the study predicts there will be almost 5.5 million tons of road transport in the European Union alone.
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