2012 volvo 780

While getting my truck serviced got a chance to drive '12 780 w/iShift.

WOW, it was like driving a pickup truck smooth. And that was with 38k in the box. I just stayed in the the throttle and moved through the gears with only hint of shifting was changing RPMs.

This will be my next truck.

 

See the screen on the right on icee's video? On that screen you can see the cruise control speed setting to the left then at 30 seconds he sets the retarder to operate automatically at a few kph above that, also you can operate it from the foot brake, That's it! no pulling jakes on, no pressing the brakes just set it and forget it if you want! Set cruise and retarder together and if u got an auto box well basically the truck drives itself on motorways except for steering obviously!

 

I have a few trucks with similar features.
I have never driven one more than 50 miles.
When I drove full time it was Mack cab overs and Oshkosh cab overs mainly.
You had to work those trucks.
With the extra heavy loads twisting the chassis you could usually not float the gears because of the long old fashioned linkages.
80lbs at least to push the clutch.
We would easy spend 18 hours a day driving.
It was a real work out requiring physical effort and input constantly.
They were hot noisy and through you around in the seat.
I would have loved drive to one of these new trucks back then.
It would have also had to have one of those systems Volvo has to wake a nodding driver up because I'm sure with the hours we used to drive I would fall asleep if all I had to do was steer.

 

that (A) Option for jake brake while using the cruise control is pretty much useless when pulling 50,000k going down hill. I usually have to cancel my cruise and throw the switch down to 3.

 

We really are spoiled here, I don't know about falling asleep after those hours with only steering to do because on the flip side you're not working as hard so ure less stressed and more relaxed, I found on mountainous terrain with the old 143's with no retarder and drum brakes I remember being wrecked at the end of the day whereas the newer ones you finish the day less tired and stressed. Driving long hours like we used to get away with was and endurance trial and anything that made it easier was welcome but I know what you mean, trying to overcome the monotony !

 

sounds sweet-i can let my dog drive and get me a nap!

 

Hahaha probably! as long as your local friendly police officers don't see you!

I guess it's on the cards , one day none of us will have a job!

 

The mines already use satnav that is accurate down to about an inch due to the fixed beacons they place for error correction.
They also use computer programs to direct drivers where they should head as not to have to wait at one tip or load point while there are no trucks at the other.
They have been running tests for years and now they are moving over to driver less trucks in large numbers.

http://www.riotinto.com/media/5157_21165.asp

 

Wow, that's the beginning of the end for those high paying dump truck driving jobs in Australia!

Various car companies are experimenting with driverless technology too, here's a video from top gear of a BMW doing a fast lap of the test track without intervention from the driver, from what I can work out it seems to be similar technology to what you describe in those dump trucks. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc5JED8TgwI&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/ame]


I remember back in the 80's mercedes were experimenting with trucks that could follow a lead truck

 

I have a friend wit 2 trucks that park at our yard.
He is busy building a airplane in his garage (his wife's car parks outside).
It is only a 2 seat-er but has a auto pilot and can be flown by remote from the ground in an emergency.
Most of the new airliners don't really need a pilot even during take off and landing.
Can't imagine willingly flying in a plane that is flown by a computer with out a pilot to take over.

I also know the military powers around the world have been trying to develop EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse) devices.
In case you don't know , when a nuclear device explodes it emits an EMP that basically wrecks most electrical and electronic devices with in a certain radius.
They are trying to devise a EMP device with out the need for the bomb.
I suppose only the most basic truck could survive that.