In a bold move to reshape its transport industry, China is testing out driverless trucks that can function autonomously on major highways. Currently, safety driver Huo Kangtian sits behind the wheel, adhering to regulations, but reports feeling increasingly confident in the technology as the lorries navigate the roads on their own.
"As I took my hands off the wheel for the first time, it was both thrilling and nerve-wracking," Huo admits, adding that the system's reliability has improved over time. His role, he explains, is to remain prepared to intervene in case of emergencies.
The ambitious plans are spearheaded by companies like Pony AI, whose Vice-President, Li Hengyu, envisions a future of heightened efficiency and lower labor costs. Industry experts predict that driverless trucks could slash transportation costs almost entirely.
However, there are still significant challenges ahead. A past accident involving an autonomous vehicle has raised safety concerns among the public. "Public perception will heavily influence policy and market acceptance," analyst Chim Lee states. While autonomous vehicles are gaining traction, the journey towards universal acceptance and integration of driverless trucks is anything but straightforward.
In cities like Hefei, autonomous delivery vans are already hard at work, indicating a fast track towards automation for last-mile delivery. Rino.ai's Gary Huang describes a successful partnership between human couriers and self-driving vehicles, which enhances operational efficiency.
Despite the ongoing progress, experts suggest that achieving fully autonomous heavy trucks on highways is still years away. Technological hurdles and public safety sentiments remain critical factors to address. As China continues its pursuit of high-tech innovations, balancing safety, reliability, and public perception will be key to shaping the future of its transport industry.
