Self-Driving Trucks: The Future of Transportation?

“Self-driving trucks,” the phrase is no longer unfamiliar in the age of Industry 4.0. It sounds like science fiction, but in reality, autonomous driving technology is rapidly developing and promises to revolutionize the transportation industry in the near future.

Imagine relaxing in a truck loaded with goods, browsing the web, or watching movies while the vehicle autonomously navigates from a warehouse in Long Bien District to a delivery point in Hoai Duc District without you having to touch the steering wheel.

What is Autonomous Truck Driving? Advantages and Disadvantages

Autonomous Truck Driving: Definition and Levels

Autonomous truck driving (also known as self-driving trucks) refers to the ability of a truck to drive itself and reach its destination without human intervention. The autonomous driving system utilizes sensors, cameras, radar, lidar, and artificial intelligence (AI) to “see,” “hear,” and “understand” the surrounding environment, making safe and efficient driving decisions.

There are various levels of vehicle automation, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). Currently, most major truck manufacturers like Hyundai, Hino, and Isuzu are researching and developing trucks with automation capabilities from Level 3 (conditional automation) to Level 4 (high automation).

Advantages of Autonomous Truck Driving

Autonomous truck driving offers numerous potential benefits, including:

• Increased Safety: Statistics show that human error is the leading cause of traffic accidents. Self-driving trucks are expected to minimize accidents caused by drunk driving, drowsiness, distraction, or driving errors.
• Reduced Traffic Congestion: Self-driving trucks can communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure, leading to smoother traffic flow and reduced congestion, especially on major roads like Pham Van Dong and Nguyen Trai Streets.
• Enhanced Transportation Efficiency: Autonomous trucks can operate continuously without rest, shortening delivery times, saving fuel costs, and increasing productivity.
• Support for People with Disabilities: Self-driving technology will enable people with disabilities to travel freely by car without assistance.

Disadvantages of Autonomous Truck Driving

However, despite the significant advantages, autonomous truck driving also has certain limitations:

• Incomplete Technology: Self-driving systems are still under development and may encounter errors in complex situations such as bad weather or poor road conditions.
• Cybersecurity Concerns: Autonomous truck systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could lead to loss of control and potentially disastrous consequences.
• Job Displacement: The widespread adoption of self-driving trucks may result in job losses for many truck drivers.
• High Costs: Currently, the cost of equipping trucks with autonomous driving systems remains high, deterring many consumers.

A self-driving semi-truck on the highway

Estimated Price List for Self-Driving Trucks

Note: The price list is for reference only and may vary depending on the time of purchase, dealer, and optional configurations.