Autonomous Tech: How the supply chain is going hands-free

Preparing for takeoff

So how close are we to seeing these “optionally driven” autonomous vehicles on our highways and skyways? We may only have to wait a few months, according to Goldsmith.

As the technology begins to turn a corner, Goldsmith said he has envisioned a rough timeline for the rollout of autonomous vehicles. Starting next year and continuing into 2019, more tests will be done and pilot projects evaluated, he said. “Then, by 2020, we’ll see optionally driven trucks on certain parts of the U.S. highway system, at certain times of the day. There’ll be drivers in the cabs, but they won’t always be driving.”

After the trucking companies and forwarders have five years of data to digest, he expects that by 2025 someone will allow the those same “entry-level” highways to allow some fully-autonomous trucks on the road. “These will be operated in a caravan-style behind a truck that’s optionally driven, and the rest will follow the leader.”

Five years after that, in 2030, with 10 years of data logged, he added, “the systems will have gotten much better because the industry will have responded to this need,” which will usher in the era of the completely autonomous vehicle.

Whatever timeline ends up being the correct one, the start point has already passed. Platoons of semi-autonomous 18-wheelers have already cruised through Europe. Mercedes is already marketing it’s slick Vision Van concept to the masses. UAV’s are already over our heads and getting more accepted every day.

“We expect to move our first freight on driverless trucks before the end of this year,” Peterson added. “This is not science fiction. We are starting on it now.”

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