Logistics company DHL has published a new trend report, “Self-Driving Vehicles in Logistics,” which highlights key elements and the significant potential of autonomous technologies in the logistics industry.
The report contains best practices from various industries and analyzes specific use cases for self-driving vehicles throughout the logistics value chain. Applications of self-driving vehicles discussed in the report include, among others:
• autonomous transport and assisted picking in warehouses
• autonomous outdoor logistics, for example in storage yards, ports, and airports
• assisted transport and platooning on highways as part of line haul transport
• last-mile delivery.
– In some warehouses, self-driving vehicles have been used to some extent for years, but it is the significant increase in vehicle autonomy that will decisively change the logistics sector – says Dr. Markus Kückelhaus, Director of DHL Trend Research. – Taking to public roads is the next step in this evolution. With its experience in implementing self-driving solutions in controlled environments, the logistics industry is in an excellent position to continue shaping the future of self-driving vehicles. Together with partners and customers, DHL can take a leading position on this path.
Self-driving vehicles can provide a number of significant benefits, including increased road safety, greater fuel efficiency, and minimized environmental impact. However, as the trend report explains, autonomous technologies still have a long way to go before they reach full maturity. Significant changes are also necessary in terms of regulations, social acceptance, and liability issues. Despite these barriers, very intriguing use cases have already emerged, which clearly indicates that many organizations are willing to develop and implement self-driving vehicle technologies.
Regarding public highways and city streets, the trend report predicts that:
• in the near future, there will be improvements to existing driver assistance functions;
• subsequently, there will be a trend toward autonomous driving in specific situations, for example on congested highways;
• in the more distant future, there will be fully autonomous truck platoons on highways, operating 24/7.
– There is no doubt that autonomous driving will change the world of logistics – adds Matthias Heutger, Senior Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Development, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation. – DHL is already using numerous autonomous logistics solutions in warehouses. We therefore believe that we are in an excellent position to further promote the trend of self-driving vehicles in our industry.
The trend report “Self-Driving Vehicles in Logistics” is the latest in a series of reports developed by DHL Trend Research, a special unit focusing on research, analysis, and the utilization of new trends in the logistics industry. This trend was identified by DHL along with other emerging changes in the annually updated Logistics Trend Radar – a document containing an assessment of the impact of social and business trends as well as factors influencing the development of technology in the logistics industry.