In the last decade, there have been great technological advances in the field of science, medicine and of course in the field of technology. Perhaps the sector that has received the most advancements is logistics, where you can currently find the highest salaries and greatest options for innovation.

From delivery drones, the complete automation of factories, to supermarkets where it is not necessary to go through the cash register. Today we are going to take a closer look at the latest in autopilot transport trucks; the concept is that human presence is not necessary in the whole transport process.

Homtruck

Chinese giant Geely unveiled a few months ago its next project: a commercial electric semi-trailer called Homtruck and manufactured by Farizon Auto.

The Homtruck’s cabin is equipped with a large infotainment screen, a steering wheel prepared for autonomous driving (also with its own screen) and a panoramic roof for the driver’s enjoyment. Geely says production and first deliveries are planned for 2024.

The “smart” truck, developed by Geely’s commercial vehicle division, has been presented with three variants thanks to its model architecture: pure electric with battery swapping, methanol hybrid and with range extender.

No details about range or power have been disclosed so far.

What Geely has talked about is the “cab-home” concept it proposes for the -scarce- truckers: the design includes a full bathroom with shower and toilet, single bed, refrigerator, kettle, stove and even a small washing machine.

Thanks to artificial intelligence and 360-degree cameras, it promises that the driver will be aware of any problems around the vehicle while in motion or while parking.

In addition, the Chinese manufacturer is aiming high with autonomous driving and assures that, within pre-established routes, the Homtruck will be able to use level 4 autonomous driving functions (the maximum is 5) and will also introduce convoy functions for longer trips that allow trucks to communicate with each other to maintain a safe speed and distance.

Tesla Semi

Like an airplane taking off, we can finally see the Tesla Semi taxiing on a test track in its prototype version. After several delays in the production date of the expected electric truck, it seems that the Californian firm is closer to mass production.

The most interesting thing about this preview is that the Tesla Semi prototype could be equipped for the first time with the new 4680 battery cells.

It is presented as a medium- and long-haul tractor unit with aerodynamics never before seen in the world of large trucks.

Inside we find a layout that is also unique in the world of tractor-trailers, placing the driver in a central position (yes, as in the McLaren F1). The cabin seems narrower than usual and technology will be very present in it. For starters, it lacks traditional mirrors and instead employs 15-inch screens on either side of the steering wheel.

These screens will also display the trip information and electronic settings, as well as the company’s trademark features such as Autopilot in the heavy-duty truck version, with which the Californian firm hopes to make the work of truck drivers more bearable and also reduce the number of accidents on the road and increase transport efficiency.

The exact launch date is not yet known, so we will have to wait and see.

X-Tractor

Although it does not belong to the truck category, I would like to make a special mention to the tractor of the Japanese company Kubota, a company that has been selling agricultural machinery for more than 130 years.

This is the X-Tractor, a concept of an electric and autonomous vehicle capable of doing the job by itself without the need for a driver.

Although there is not much technical data on power, battery autonomy, etc., what we do know is that it is a vehicle that will move with electric energy that can be obtained both from the batteries it has installed, as well as through the solar panels that it has on its upper part.

It forgets the classic giant wheels of tractors for four tracks that allow it to work on any surface without problems. In addition, as each one is driven by an independent engine, it achieves greater strength and grip to get out of complicated places.

To carry out its work, it will have GPS technology to follow the path marked by its owner, plowing or working on the areas that are specifically indicated. In this way, it can alternate all kinds of activities thanks to its powerful artificial intelligence software, which is able to monitor all kinds of data and factors, such as the weather, the growth rate of crops and make decisions about the optimal times to go out into the field, sow, harvest and even complete tillage work.

Yes, we are going straight to a “Skynet Universe”, let’s hope that, in our reality, they are on our side.