- Environmental - Automated trucks will be more fuel efficient due to speed regulation and other factors, reducing the carbon emissions and pollution from the trucks.
- Economic - Fuel efficiency also can provide significant savings for companies, as can faster trips, which can allow a greater number of deliveries.
- Safety - Automation decreases the risks of fatigued, distracted, or otherwise impaired truck drivers and the technology is expected to substantially reduce accidents and save lives. Trucks will be equipped with increased safety sensors and software, as well.
Will Self-Driving Trucks Become a Reality?
Most people who pay attention to technology or motor vehicle news are aware that companies like Google, Uber, and Tesla have manufactured automated or semi-automated cars that can drive with minimal help from human drivers. Now, companies like Uber are trying to make use of automated technology in the trucking industry, as well.
Uber has purchased a self-driving truck that the company has named “Otto” that has successfully made a delivery carrying cases of beer 120 miles driving on its own. There are many potential benefits to incorporating self-driving vehicles into the trucking industry, including the following: