Are Robot Drivers Replacing Drivers?

Ninety percent of all consumer products are shipped by trucks across Canada. With the US being the largest trading partner, over two-third of trades are transported between two countries. In Vancouver, there is an average of about 2,300 trucks a day on the main highway.

With the intensive logistics schedule and the distraction from electronic devices, accidents are prone to happen.  Even with heavy traffic restrictions the government applying to distracted drivers, 1.6 million crashes happened while using mobile, radio stations, and GPS programs.  Major automotive manufactures have been trying to find a way to help the roads to be safer.

Can robots do the job we do?

Our reliability in robotic machinery has significantly expanded in the past two decades. The prediction is in place that indeed one day robots can do what we do. There are 6 stages of progression when the question rolls out:

1. A robot cannot do what a human does.
2. Maybe a robot can do some of the jobs, but not all jobs.
3. It can do most of the jobs a human does until it breaks down. It will still need a human to fix it.
4. A robot can do the jobs what a human does. It will still need updates from a human.
5. A robot can have the job because some jobs aren’t meant for a human to do.
6. A robot can do exactly and even better than what a human can do.

 
The technologies are inevitable to replace human drivers, either it is a robot or programmed self-driving truck. First, there is a shortage of trucking drivers, especially in British Columbia. It is bound to become more difficult to find drivers in the coming years. Secondly, it probably reduces the chances of accidents and improves roadside safety much more, even we don’t want to admit it.
 
In 18 Wheels Logistics, we have been investing in machinery hence the operations integrate both human and robots. This approach, in fact, creates more job opportunities for the Vancouver labor market. We specialize in copacking, warehousing, and trucking. If you are an experienced machine operator, please feel welcome to contact us.