Truck manufacturers are looking for ways to increase their automation from Level 2 to Level 4, but they still have a long way to go. The desire to create a Level 4 autonomous commercial truck is on while similar technology is being tested on passenger vehicles. Many manufactures and tech companies announced their plans to create a Level 4 autonomous commercial vehicle during the North American Commercial Vehicle Show.
Technology Similar to Airplanes
Most modern commercial airlines control their planes through automated systems. While pilots are still in the cockpit, their job is minimal on a routine flight. The systems manage engine power, control the direction and speed of the flight and navigate from the beginning to the end of the flight. Planes have had autonomous technology for more than 30 years. Nonetheless, they still require a pilot and copilot in case something with the system goes wrong. Full automation would make it so that no driver (or pilot) would have to be in the vehicle.
Levels of Automation
There are multiple levels of automation when it concerns driving, including the following:
- Level 0 – No automation. This level involves no automation. Vehicles with this level of automation have cruise control capability but not much more.
- Level 1 – Driver assistance. This level of automation provides some assistance to drivers through technology such as adaptive cruise control that uses radars or cameras to maintain distance between vehicles and lane keep assist for fatigued drivers. The vehicle may be automatically braked when traffic slows down and manage speed when traffic is clear. Lane keep assist keeps you within the borders of the lane in case you start drifting into a nearby lane. This level of automation requires that the driver maintain control over the vehicle.
- Level 2 – Partial automation. This level of automation requires the driver to be behind the wheel and be prepared to take control of the vehicle, but it helps with controlling speed and steering.
- Level 3 – Conditional automation. Vehicles with Level 3 automation are capable of driving themselves but only under optimal conditions and within certain limitations, such as driving on highways with limited access at certain speeds. Some of the technology for this level of autonomy is currently in existence while some is still being designed. Drivers must still be behind the wheel in case road conditions fall below optimal levels.
- Level 4 – High automation. Vehicles with this level of autonomy are capable of driving themselves without human interactions. However, they are restricted to known uses, such as under certain environmental factors and in certain road conditions.
- Level 5 – Full automation. This is the highest level of automation and involves true driverless vehicles. If perfected, these vehicles can monitor and maneuver through all road conditions and require no human interventions so that pedals and a steering wheel become obsolete.
Many commercial trucks are currently at Level 2 automation, but the goal is to reach Level 4.
Benefits of Automation
It is well documented that automation systems help reduce the number of car accidents, most of which are caused by human error. Automation also helps increase efficiency because speeds are maintained and the vehicle is run at optimal levels. Efficiency is always a core concern for the trucking industry since it has a direct impact on the profitability of a company.
How to Move Toward Automation
There is still a long way to go for commercial trucks to become more automated. Designers must investigate how vision and radar systems are integrated into vehicles, brake efficiency and interactions with actuators. However, before true autonomy can occur, commercial vehicles require more automated redundancies to ensure they are safe. Redundant brake systems and redundant steering are necessary to increase autonomy. These redundancies allow for an automated system as well as a system for human interaction in case the automated system fails.
Race for Automation
A number of commercial truck manufacturers and tech companies have announced their plans to create a more autonomous commercial vehicles, spurring on a competition to release the first fully-automated commercial truck. Daimler Trucks North America plans to spend $500 million on Level 4 technology.
Bosch also announced its plans to create more autonomous vehicles, such as implementing digital mirror systems that use cameras with increased optic capabilities and integrated solutions that make driving safer and increase connectivity while not increasing distractions.
Volvo Group currently has more than one million connected vehicles that deliver important data that the company says improves productivity through increased vehicle and machine uptime, reduced emissions and increased safety. A new system in some of their vehicles automatically alerts other vehicles in the fleet of hazardous traffic conditions. Its representatives say that the data derived from these systems helps develop solutions that protect society.
Some truck manufacturers suggest that automated vehicles will start to be tested in the southwest where there are drier weather conditions. Then, sensors can be improved to expand this technology to areas with more difficult weather conditions to drive in and to work safely in areas with higher populations of pedestrians.
Despite the race, most truck manufacturers believe that truck drivers will still be necessary and that Level 4 automation is not right around the corner.
