Daimler, Mercedes-Benz's parent company, is aiming to introduce a self-driving truck in the market by 2025. The company unveiled recently the Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025, which kick starts a new age in the world of transportation.
Daimler says that the autonomous truck prototype can drive itself, reaching a maximum speed of 88Km/h. The Future Truck employs four radar sensors and two cameras to control its adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, stability control and lane-keeping assistance systems.
The new system that goes into the prototype is called the 'Predictive Powertrain Control' and uses road topography information to maximize efficiency. The fully autonomous truck, however, lacks the ability to change lanes and overtake vehicles on its own. But Daimler is confident that the technology will keep on making strides.
Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of Daimler's Board of Management and responsible for Daimler Trucks and Buses, said, "Autonomous driving will revolutionize road freight transport and create major benefits for everyone involved. With the Future Truck 2025, Daimler Trucks is once again highlighting its pioneering role in innovative technologies and opening up a new era in truck transport."
Daimler is optimistic that the Future Truck will be able to cut down on road congestion and traffic fatalities. Though an autonomous truck translates to no need of a driver, the company says that it could actually help the profession. Without being bothered with the mundane task of driving, truckers could be transformed into office workers on wheels.
"The Highway Pilot system will significantly upgrade the job profile of truck drivers. It will not only free them from having to perform monotonous tasks; it will also give them more time for tasks that were previously handled by office workers at shipping companies," Daimler said. It further explained, "In other words, it will be possible for truckers to advance to new positions as transport managers, making truck driving a more attractive profession."
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