On board the driverless lorries hoping to transform China's transport industry

Driverless trucks are beginning to transform the transportation industry in China by offering a new way to move goods efficiently and safely. These large trucks, which can navigate highways between major cities such as Beijing and Tianjin without human control, represent a significant technological advancement. Although government regulations currently require a safety driver to be present, these drivers often take their hands off the wheel and allow the truck to operate autonomously. This experience is both impressive and somewhat unsettling, as the trucks can maintain speed and follow traffic rules on public roads. The safety drivers explain that using autonomous mode helps reduce fatigue and stress, making their work less tiring and more engaging. The companies behind these vehicles, like Pony AI, believe that driverless trucks will greatly improve transportation efficiency by lowering labor costs and enabling vehicles to operate in harsh environments or for extended hours without breaks. Industry experts agree that reducing driver costs is a major motivation for adopting this technology, as it can significantly cut operating expenses for logistics companies. However, there are still important challenges to overcome before driverless trucks become widespread. Public trust remains a major hurdle, especially after accidents involving autonomous vehicles have raised safety concerns. Analysts note that the Chinese public is cautious about self-driving technology, and policymakers must address these concerns to gain acceptance. In some cities, such as Hefei, driverless delivery vans are already operating on suburban streets, transporting packages from distribution centers to local hubs. Human couriers then complete the final delivery to customers' homes. This hybrid system increases overall efficiency and reduces the workload for delivery workers. The local government has supported these trials by refining regulations and encouraging innovation. The autonomous vehicles are capable of performing complex driving tasks like changing lanes, signaling turns, stopping at traffic lights, and avoiding obstacles. Companies report that these driverless vans can operate for days without needing to recharge, making them cost-effective alternatives to traditional delivery vehicles. Experts predict that within five years, heavy long-haul trucks will be able to drive autonomously on highways under certain conditions. However, technical challenges remain, such as improving sensors to detect hazards far ahead, handling difficult road conditions, and ensuring reliability in extreme weather. Additionally, the current driverless trucks are modified versions of older models rather than purpose-built autonomous vehicles, which adds to the cost. China aims to be a leader in autonomous vehicle technology but must balance innovation with safety and public acceptance. People tend to be less forgiving of mistakes made by machines compared to human drivers, so the technology must be extremely reliable before it can be widely adopted. Overall, driverless trucks have the potential to revolutionize China's transport industry by making logistics faster, safer, and more cost-effective, but careful development and regulation are essential to realize this future.