Hello, everyone. I frequently monitor the internet to survey upcoming vehicle technology, and it seems as if things are ramping up fast just lately. Several manufacturers have displayed projects showing how trucks might look and work in the next 10 to 15 years.
Much of the focus is on autonomous operation, or self-driving trucks, as well as technologies touted to improve safety. So far, autonomous operation is presented as a way to improve safety by relieving driver fatigue. I wonder if self-driving operation will really be allowed on the roadway anytime soon. It will take a huge leap of faith for legislators and car drivers to allow big rigs to operate without full time driver control. Operation will probably be limited at first to special routes or maybe separate lanes.
Below are links to a few articles I have come across recently.
heavy truck 2020
mercedes benz 2015
mercedes self driving truck
IAA commercial vehicle show
mercedes blind spot assist
bendix radar
LA e highway
The thing I always think about when I read about all these wonderful gadgets and capabilities is "who is going to fix all this stuff ?" While you read the articles think about all the sensors, cameras, wireless interfaces, and displays that a truck like those presented, will have. Some technologies are just extensions of those already in service, but some will be new or used in new ways or combinations.
Repairing these systems may be a bigger challenge than we had when electronic engines came into service. The engine systems were developed and the service information was provided by the engine manufacturer, so one source basically had everything needed. These new systems will likely be collections of components by different suppliers, interconnected by wireless or LAN and will have software written to interface with the vehicle chassis components. How all the repair information is pulled together in one place will make a big difference in how and by whom repairs are done.
What is obvious in all of this is that we are entering an exiting time in vehicle evolution. I was in auto repair when electronic ignition and the first computer controlled carburetors came out. Mechanics who didn't want to learn the new technology soon got out of the business or lived off the leftover brake and suspension work. We will have much the same choice to make in the coming years.
Much of the focus is on autonomous operation, or self-driving trucks, as well as technologies touted to improve safety. So far, autonomous operation is presented as a way to improve safety by relieving driver fatigue. I wonder if self-driving operation will really be allowed on the roadway anytime soon. It will take a huge leap of faith for legislators and car drivers to allow big rigs to operate without full time driver control. Operation will probably be limited at first to special routes or maybe separate lanes.
Below are links to a few articles I have come across recently.
heavy truck 2020
mercedes benz 2015
mercedes self driving truck
IAA commercial vehicle show
mercedes blind spot assist
bendix radar
LA e highway
The thing I always think about when I read about all these wonderful gadgets and capabilities is "who is going to fix all this stuff ?" While you read the articles think about all the sensors, cameras, wireless interfaces, and displays that a truck like those presented, will have. Some technologies are just extensions of those already in service, but some will be new or used in new ways or combinations.
Repairing these systems may be a bigger challenge than we had when electronic engines came into service. The engine systems were developed and the service information was provided by the engine manufacturer, so one source basically had everything needed. These new systems will likely be collections of components by different suppliers, interconnected by wireless or LAN and will have software written to interface with the vehicle chassis components. How all the repair information is pulled together in one place will make a big difference in how and by whom repairs are done.
What is obvious in all of this is that we are entering an exiting time in vehicle evolution. I was in auto repair when electronic ignition and the first computer controlled carburetors came out. Mechanics who didn't want to learn the new technology soon got out of the business or lived off the leftover brake and suspension work. We will have much the same choice to make in the coming years.
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