PASSAGE 2: 18-Wheeler: The Forecast

Question

By Eddie Jones



Driverless trucks and AV (Automated Vehicles) are controlled by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) supercomputer. This computer takes in outside stimulus from sensors, cameras, and tech devices strapped to the outside of the truck and processes all the information at a rate that is fifteen times faster than the average human. They have their own Wi-Fi system within the truck so that they are not at risk of losing a signal and compromising their entire system. With features like these, it’s easy to wonder if the robots really are taking over and why we may or may not want them to do so.

It may surprise you to hear the primary motivators for corporations to use automated trucks rather than those operated by real humans—companies are pushing for more reliable technology in automated trucks so that they can convert to driverless fleets. Why do they want driverless fleets? There are three main reasons—cost, efficiency, and safety.

The Reason Driverless Trucks Are in the Fast Lane of Development

The average cost for the driverless technology on these big rigs is $250,000. At first glance, a quarter of a million dollars for a vehicle sounds outrageous. Surprisingly though, it pales in comparison to the cost of hiring and paying a driver for several years. When the annual salary and benefit packages are combined, the cost of the driverless technology pays for itself in less than five years.

In addition, a driverless truck doesn’t have the limits a human does. There is no need to stop for food or sleep, and a truck doesn’t need sick days or vacation days. Therefore, an automated truck can transport cargo twice as fast and complete three times more driving in a week than a truck operated by a human. An added bonus is that these automated trucks are not only time efficient, but they are also fuel efficient by keeping a steady speed and driving straighter. In contrast, a human driver can be a gas guzzler with even minor inconsistencies in braking and steering. All of these efficiencies affect a company’s profit margin and save businesses money by giving them quicker services for less cost.

Last, experts believe that the technology of driverless trucks has the potential to save human lives. You might wonder, “How can a computer possibly be safer than a human?” The answer lies not in what a computer can do, but rather in what humans do. Humans make mistakes. Sadly, in the world of trucking, those errors often result in fatalities. Unlike human drivers, computers don’t drive drunk or text while driving, they don’t fall asleep or get distracted, and they have consistent and reliable responses to stimuli. Humans do not. Over half a million auto accidents each year—or one in every eight automobile accidents—involve a semi-truck. The creators working on driverless technology believe that they will soon be able to offer a product with much better safety statistics. It seems that they are definitely moving in that direction, and it won’t be a matter of if we see a truck cruising along side us missing a driver, but just a matter of when we will see an empty cab.

Companies developing automated trucks believe that they can reduce the number of semi-truck related fatalities by eliminating human errors.

Answer 1

The passage discusses the development and advantages of driverless trucks, highlighting the advanced AI technology that controls these vehicles. Key points include:

1. Technological Overview: Driverless trucks utilize an AI supercomputer that processes data from various sensors and devices. This system operates significantly faster than human drivers, backed by a robust Wi-Fi system to maintain connectivity.

2. Corporate Motivations: Companies are increasingly favoring automated trucks due to three primary factors: cost savings, increased efficiency, and enhanced safety.

3. Cost Efficiency: The initial investment of $250,000 in driverless technology is justified by the long-term savings on driver salaries and benefits. The technology is projected to pay for itself within five years.

4. Operational Efficiency: Automated trucks can operate continuously without needing breaks for food, sleep, or personal time off, which allows them to transport cargo faster and more frequently. Their consistent driving behavior also improves fuel efficiency compared to human-operated vehicles.

5. Safety Improvements: The passage emphasizes that driverless technology has the potential to reduce traffic fatalities by eliminating errors associated with human drivers, such as distractions or impaired judgment. Statistics indicate that a significant proportion of truck-related accidents are due to human mistakes.

Overall, the passage suggests that the adoption of driverless trucks could revolutionize the trucking industry, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness while addressing the limitations of human drivers.