Is AI the Future of Logistics?
AI, or artificial intelligence, in the world of transport and logistics, is developing. Companies are benefiting from AI help with organisation, manufacturing and delivery processes making helping them become smarter and more efficient. But AI also raises some concerns.
Let’s take a brief look at some of the good and the bad parts of AI in logistics.
The Good Side:
One of the coolest things AI can do is called predictive maintenance. This means AI provides reports and alerts to companies helping them to keep their vehicles and lorries in good working order. AI sensors check the engine, brakes, and fuel system and AI can tell if something is not working efficiently, or maybe wearing out and might be breaking soon, even before it actually does. This way, repairs can be done during planned service schedules and timetables, avoiding trucks breaking down unexpectedly and so helping to keep everything running smoothly, efficiently and saving money for the operator, and also the hauliers end user, their customer or consumers.
Another great benefit is fuel savings. AI looks at how drivers are driving, how much fuel they use, and their routes. It suggests the fastest and least congested routes to the driver so the trucks don’t waste fuel by idling or driving in traffic. This is better for the environment and helps the operator save money, and therefore not need to increase their charges to their clients. And with further analysis of AI’s reports the transport manager could follow up with Driver Development Training which prompts drivers adopt SAFED techniques for Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving.
The Worries:
Now, let’s talk about the scary part—self-driving trucks. While fully driverless cars are more common place, say in America, driverless trucks are still being developed. Modern trucks do already have some semi-autonomous features such as systems that warn lorry drivers if they drift out of their lane, manage traffic better, or ability to set safe stopping distances and so automatically brake if there’s danger. These features help make driving safer and cut down on other possible expenses such as fixing or repairing vehicles involved in collisions.
But here’s the big question: Are we ready for trucks that drive themselves completely?
Even though the technology is improving fast, many people still feel nervous about driverless trucks sharing busy roads with cars, bikes and people. It’s a big change, and we need to think carefully about whether it’s safe and fair.
In conclusion….
AI is helping with advancements to change how goods are moved around the world. It can make transport and logistics safer, cheaper and the vehicles themselves more efficient. But are we’re prepared for a future where machines do most of the driving. Only time will tell if AI will be a helpful tool or create other currently unforeseen problems which, in the future, we will need to solve.
If you’d like to prepare to become a lorry driver of the future give Wallace School of Transport a call – 0208 453 3440