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Autonomous driving has been around for a long time and is being tried, tested and developed. Driving without a driver is said to have many advantages. Many are hoping that this will generate a lot of business - sales will increase significantly. It also avoids the huge shortage of drivers. Driving and rest periods no longer have to be observed. Instead, the vehicles are managed, monitored and controlled remotely from a control center. There is also a safety driver at the wheel who could intervene in an emergency. Autonomous trucks have already been on the roads in the USA for a year. So far, however, only in pilot projects with customers. However, they are due to be launched on the market regularly in 2027 and by 2030 this should have had a significant impact on sales. Daimler could then also go into series production in Germany.

Another producer, Continental, also relies on the USA. Together with the US software company Aurora, they are developing an autonomous driving system that should be available by 2027. The German company that is testing autonomous trucks is not yet at that stage. It must first prove that this technology is also worthwhile.

However, there was criticism that an enormous number of jobs would be lost, but this may offer a much better solution. Truck drivers can work in regional transport, load vehicles or deliver goods. Another point of criticism is the unpredictable weather conditions. The project has so far proved to be good, but what if the weather conditions are bad or the radio network is disrupted so that the control centers can no longer do their job? According to Dirk Engelhardt, spokesman for the board of the Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal, these are issues that need to be given the utmost attention. However, the focus should first and foremost be on electromobility. He also doubts that no more drivers would actually be needed. After all, there is still a pilot in the cockpit of an airplane, and the same for a train.

In any case, the German manufacturer has already tested the autonomous trucks during transshipment in the port of Hamburg and during loading onto trains. The improved turnover would be clear to see. This is set to continue until the end of the year, when projects with customers are planned. More could then be expected in 2030.

Source: Pixabay/truck-8656658_1280