Autonomous trucks, the solution that will help the logistics sector to keep up with the current and future market demand for improved safety, costs and efficiency.

Autonomous driving is emerging as one of the promises to solve the logistics challenges of the future. The global market for Autonomous Trucking technology will reach a large growth and settlement figure by 2030, so the means of transportation are considered one of the most powerful trends in logistics 4.0. This type of automated and driverless vehicles will make freight transportation safer, cheaper and more efficient in the next decade.

Implementing autonomous cars in the logistics of companies will be key to achieving a strategic advantage that will ensure their long-term competitiveness in the market. Adopting this new class of vehicle will be our pass to become a cutting-edge company that follows the trends of the future in the present. When we invest in these 4.0 solutions, we must choose the best autonomous truck option, tailored to each company and its needs.

Types of autonomous trucks

There are different types or levels of automation due to the different policies and regulations of each country. The technologies applied to these vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated and safe. This makes the options for autonomous trucks vary widely depending on the degree of human intervention required. There are 5 main types:

  1. With driver assistance: this is an automatically controlled function, known as cruise control.
  2. With partial automation: in this case, both steering and acceleration and deceleration are automated. However, the driver can take control of the vehicle when necessary.
  3. With conditional automation: this type of vehicle has all critical safety functions automated, although the driver must intervene for certain environmental and traffic situations.
  4. Highly automated: this truck is prepared to perform all safety-critical functions and road conditions for a complete trip. Still, the driver must be present in the cab.
  5. With full automation: this last type will be able to drive the vehicle as a human driver, in all scenarios and conditions that may arise. In this case, human presence inside the vehicle is not necessary.

Impact of the application of automated trucks

The first two types or levels of automation include changes in variables controlled by the robot and others by the human. In the third stage, we find more intense automation, as the most consistent on-road driving is fully automatic.

The change within transportation is greater when we look at the fourth level, in which the vehicle can already operate completely on its own in all scenarios, despite needing the continuous presence of the driver. The last level of automation is also the most futuristic, as the driver would not be present and the vehicle would be driven completely automatically.

A recent article The Times predicts that automation could eliminate more than 1.7 million truck driving jobs over the next decade in the United States alone. However, this change is expected to be regularized and progressive, so it will give these workers time to retrain their skills to oversee the operation of these automated trucks.

In addition, in the case of Spain, automated vehicles will provide an answer to a logistical problem: the shortage of truck drivers and carriers. The automation of these means of transport will be key to meet the enormous demand caused by the unstoppable growth of eCommerce.

Advantages of autonomous trucks

The most outstanding advantages provided by the use of autonomous trucks in logistics are:

  • It manages to reduce costs: autonomous trucks carry out more efficient and error-free routes, as they drive themselves automatically. According to an article in the magazine Coche Global, the costs saved by this type of means of transport can be as high as 45%.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions: faster and more efficient shipments mean that more shipments can be made in fewer kilometers.
  • Increasedroad safety: automated driving eliminates the risks associated with the human factor, which is responsible for 90% of traffic accidents.

In short, the benefits brought by this on-trend solution could help overcome the logistics industry's biggest challenge: transforming into 4.0. to cope with today's huge demand and lack of drivers. But is it really a solution? The future will provide the answer.