Connected trucks move into the fast lane

In the logistics business, real time data is the key to increasing efficiency. The truck of the future needs to not just be autonomous, but also better connected within the logistics chain to transport goods more efficiently.

Around one in five trucks on the road don’t actually carry anything. This is where intelligent systems can drastically reduce empty runs and increase load factors, for example. When it comes to freight handling, apps can automatically fill out delivery forms, saving time and preventing errors.

Platooning and the automated truck
On the one hand, the future of logistics is in a connected delivery chain. And on the other, it’s in autonomous driving. On the road to fully driverless operation, various measures such as platooning and driving in convoy already provide logistics companies with increases in efficiency.

Platooning reduces fuel consumption and relieves drivers, since the driving assistance systems reliably and safely take care of keeping distance, staying in lane and braking. The driver only needs to get involved in exceptional situations, such as driving through construction work on the road, for example.

The fully autonomous truck will exchange information with other trucks in the future, and build teams when moving in the same direction. Connection and automation work hand in hand.

Exchange of technical expertise
The VDI Autonomous Trucks conference offers a platform to exchange expertise with international experts from all over the world. The third edition of the conference will offer an interesting mixture of technical presentations from major OEMs, suppliers, research institutes as well as interesting customers. The most important aim is to generate a worldwide picture and not to have a unilateral focus on one country only.

The main topics include:

• Latest Developments in Truck Technology and Connectivity
• Equipment of Trailer for Trucks at Level 4
• Platooning as Step towards full Autonomy
• Political Environment in Europe and Unites States
• Changes in the Logistics Value Chain