Autonomous trucks are coming closer to reality, and some truck drivers are (quite understandably) frightened by the idea of a self-driving truck. After all, if big rigs can literally rive themselves, what need is there for a truck driver?
Technology is in almost every sense a good thing. It provides us opportunities to replace the tasks we used to toil in and makes them simpler, faster, and more efficient to complete, leaving us time to explore other endeavors.
But with technology comes uncertainty as to some of the practical applications of the technology. In years past factory workers feared automation would replace human labor and fought its implementation (that of course did not prove to be the case).
And the recent introduction of the Inspiration truck from Freightliner and Daimler, drivers really began to worry. Inspiration鈥檚 main feature is a system called 鈥淗ighway Pilot,鈥� using a system of stereoscopic cameras and radar sensors that allow the truck to operate independent of a driver鈥檚 control, staying between lane markers, adjusting speed, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the road. This innovation has led to some calling Inspiration the first 鈥渟elf-driving鈥� truck.
Feeling threatened that their jobs could be replaced by a machine, many truckers turn their questions into worry.
So how about it? Will the so-called 鈥渟elf driving鈥� tractor trailers make the human truck driver obsolete?
Don鈥檛 count on it.
An article on CNET called author Antuan Goodwin says the 鈥渢he human driver is still the most important element,鈥� saying the driver is still very necessary. While the truck is capable of what Freightliner officials call 鈥渁n advanced cruise control,鈥� the driver retains control over the vehicle.
Instead of being designed to take jobs away from real people, the Inspiration鈥檚 real goal is to be a tool for the driver. Designed to reduce accidents, Inspiration allows the driver to be 鈥渄istracted in a safe manner鈥� while the truck鈥檚 camera and radar system keep the vehicle in its lane and away from other vehicles on the road.
But, Goodwin writes, 鈥淭here鈥檚 yet still a lot of important driving for the driver to do. This includes negotiating surface roads, exits and interchanges, and everything else that鈥檚 not highway cruising.鈥� Also, Highway Pilot mode does not support driving when road conditions are hazardous (such as when there is snow on the ground), and cannot maneuver in tight spots like loading bays.
So before you begin forecasting doom and gloom for truck drivers, consider that the 鈥渟elf-driving truck鈥� is only a partially accurate statement, and that the technology is still not quite to the point where human drivers are obsolete. Nor, does it seem, that that fact will change any time soon.