Mubasher: Around 82% of GCC transportation companies are expected to operate driverless trucks by 2028, according to a recent survey conducted by the World Road Transport Organisation (IRU).
The survey was conducted among 450 global transport firms across the world.
“The global transport system touches the lives of each of the planet’s seven billion people, from the food we eat to the consumer goods we buy,” Umberto de Pretto, IRU’s secretary general, said.
GCC companies noted that using autonomous trucks could help in boosting productivity, with the biggest opportunities in engine efficiency, decarbonisation in transport and enhancing intermodal transport.
Currently, transportation firms face several challenges to operate such intelligent transport system in the Arab region such as the limited understanding of the range of technologies available, lack of training to leverage such skills among employees and the high level of investment required.
“There is no question that autonomous trucks will eventually be transformative for the industry – helping boost productivity, create efficiencies and enhance driver working conditions,” Boris Blanche, IRU’s managing director, commented.
