Will automatic transmissions ever replace manual tranny's in the trucking industry?

Free Bird, your way behind the curve on this one with driverless cars and trucks, CondoCruiser is spot one with this. The so called Smart Highway System with driverless cars and trucks has been in the planning even before this website was up and running, Is it going to happen? more then likely yes it will, will it happen in our life time? probably not, i'm sure i'll be dead before it happens......

 

I read a week or so ago an article regarding driverless semis. It stated that most likely a seperate highway would have to be built for these vehicles to drive along due to safety (especially when keeping idiot 4 wheelers in mind). This alone, I feel, would push driverless trucks way past our and our grandkids lifetimes.

As far as the great auto vs manual debate. It seems automatics are starting to become more and more acceptable into trucking. Many companies are making the switch and wouldn't be surprised if it becomes the 'norm' in the future. One reason I can think of is while most people can shift gears, not everyone can do it properly. If you say owned a big starter company like Swift or so on, I'd rather be running autos because I'd then be less worried about new drivers tearing up transmissions all the times.

It's all about money, as always.

 

I would not worry, if your truly 18, it's going to be a long time before it happens, as far as fed and state laws would not allow it, who do you think it coming up with this stuff? ya it's the feds and state think tanks, don't ever underestimate the Government and what they will do, anyway, back to your question, I would like to see real numbers from the manufactures, some drivers say there will be more auto's some drivers I hear say that companies are going back to manual trannies and as far as keeping idiots out of big trucks, what do ya think is going on nowa days.....

 

I wouldn't mind operating that truck from the comfort of my underwear like drone pilots xD

Human Drivers will always be needed in the city

My left knee would like an automatic sometimes

Really don't care as long as it runs.

 

I still would not worry, not going to happen in your lifetime, when I heard about this years ago it was stated that there still would be a driver in the truck but would not touch the controls, the Smart System would be freeway style only, cars and trucks would be so many feet apart and then programmed to get off the system and then the driver would take over and drive locally to shipper or receiver and then back to the system and again would not touch the controls, this was there beginning concept, could all this change? Only the future will tell.....

 

Jets have been flying on auto pilot from takeoff to taxiway for years. Sensors and ECMs have made huge improvements since the 70's. Something that critical you have a back up for everything. Your always reading about the subject. They wouldn't have teams of scientists and universities playing with the topic if there wasn't a possibility. They already have collision avoidance and other sonar devices along with cameras. I remember 30 years ago they were talking about putting copper strips in the roads as a following device but that's old technology now. You're only 18. Wait until you're my age and you can look back at progress. You will see things in your lifetime you never even thought was possible.

 

I wouldn't sweat the changes. Eight years ago when you were ten, a new cap gun was your whole world. I'm not being disrespectful - that was all of us. It's possible, but doubtful, you will be doing the same thing your whole life no matter how much you like it now. I have had 4 distinctly different careers in my life and wouldn't trade the variety for anything. Trucking is my early retirement plan and most likely my last career - but who knows? Best of luck and its great you are doing what you love early in life.