Blog
Select Page

AI in Trucking: Computer Vision, Autonomous Vehicles (and More!)

15.10.2024

Blog cover image for an article "AI in Trucking -Computer Vision, Autonomous vehicles, and Driver Coaching"

Have you heard about what computer vision is making possible in the trucking space? Built with machine learning and neural networks, trucking computer vision enables systems to extract image and video data, giving trucks a second pair of eyes. It can spot troubling scenarios like tailgaters or potholes and alert drivers in real time.

It particularly has its place in helping to keep drivers safe, train them, and even assist in driving after a tough day loading and unloading masses of cargo. Let’s take a closer look at how it all works.

Unsafe Behavior Detection

In 2021 alone, 523,796 large truck accidents occurred across the US, and in the EU in 2023, around 20,400 people died from road crashes. Trucking computer vision can reliably detect a wide range of unsafe behaviors, including distracted driving (phone use, smoking, eating), fatigue, and improper seatbelt use. 

While trucking computer vision cameras can see the driver’s surroundings, and external cameras and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can monitor the road and truck environment to improve safety. They can track safety indicators such as speed, brake force, following distance, and lane departure. ADAS uses this data to prevent accidents, keep trucks in lanes, and warn drivers of blind spots.

While AI for Trucking systems can alert drivers on the go, allowing them to correct behavior before accidents occur, they can also use data visualization to assess, prioritize, and color-code risks based on their severity. Moreover, post-drive risk reports can demonstrate compliance with safety regulations and reduce both the driver’s and the trucking company’s liability.

Driver Coaching and Engagement Control

In the same way AI-based trucking computer vision can alert drivers via in-vehicle interfaces, providing immediate feedback on actions like speeding, hard braking, and lane departure. Trucking companies can build platforms to communicate with drivers post-drive, too.

AI algorithms can review drive history and tailor coaching plans to individual driver strengths and weaknesses, improving efficiency and driver engagement in the long term. This could look like weekly summaries demonstrating how drivers’ performance metrics benchmark against their last week’s selves or other drivers and allows trucking companies to easily introduce rewards programs for safe driving. 

By analyzing historical data and proactively coaching drivers on the move and post-drive, trucking companies can make huge strides in keeping the roads safe. Anonymizing data and providing transparent communication about data usage will help encourage driver buy-in and ensure their privacy is also protected.

Autonomous Driving Powered by Trucking Computer Vision

Studies have shown human error influences almost 95% of road accidents. The EU mandated a range of advanced driver assistant systems in 2022 as a result. As part of the US’s Transportation 2024 Progress Report, all new trucks also require automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. The national safety team believes this will save at least 360 lives and prevent 24,000 injuries a year. 

Automated driving practices will continue to rise in popularity as technology develops. For safe navigation, vehicles, pedestrians, and other road users must be accurately identified and tracked. Trucking computer vision works in conjunction with other sensors (radar, lidar) to create a comprehensive understanding of the driving environment. 

When paired with AI analytics, trucking companies can process the visual data alongside engine data and telematics to make accurate real-time decisions about steering, acceleration, and braking.

The visual data also helps to create high-definition maps and determine the vehicle’s precise location. Logistics planners can feed this into planning tools and improve journeys in real-time and for future planning.

Computer vision technology, telematics, and AI-powered analytics are providing powerful tools for trucking drivers and planning teams. Their ability to provide a second perspective, offer immediate feedback, and summarize performance into personalized training packages open doors to safer roads and empowered experts.

Interested in what else is possible with AI in trucking? Check out our blog!