Volvo explains how tomorrow’s intelligent trucks will work.
Today there are about 175,000 online-connected Volvo trucks on Europe's roads. A number of them can already send information about when they need maintenance and some of the necessary service work can even be administrated remotely. In the coming few years, the truck will be able to monitor its own health in real time, promoting easier and quicker service. In the future the truck will also make workshop administration easier by booking its own service as and when necessary, booking the appropriate mechanics for the relevant jobs and advance-ordering the necessary parts for delivery to the workshop. Repairs will be able to be performed wherever the truck happens to be and will be carried out at an appropriate time in its working schedule. Services will be synchronised with the truck's operating timetable and will be booked at the nearest workshop at a time when the vehicle would in any case not be in operation, for instance at night or when the driver has to take a legislated break. Via online connectivity the truck will also be able to carry out simple self-repairs remotely.
Tomorrow's truck will be increasingly personalised and will for example be able to be tailored to match the operator's needs and driving style. It will also be able to update its own configuration to suit specific transport assignments. Trucks will follow the trend shown by smartphones in recent years. In the near future trucks will be able to communicate with other road users as well as with mobile remotely enabled devices such as cycle helmets, helping to cut the risk of accidents and reducing unplanned standstills. The future truck will be able to independently monitor traffic status and select the most efficient route if there are traffic jams or roadworks up ahead. Volvo state that the biggest challenge is sifting through the massive amount of data collected from the vehicles. The infrastructure for connectivity throughout the world also needs to be further developed before this can be converted into everyday reality. Source: http://www.volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/newsmedia/pressreleases/Pages/pressreleases.aspx?pubId=19782