Vehicular movement Delays on roads - "Lower Saxony launches 'Digital Copilot' initiative"
In the future, larger and heavier haul transportation (GST) could potentially replace human co-drivers with digital ones. Lower Saxony is contributing to a nationwide pilot project involving various countries and Autobahn GmbH of the federal government. The decision to use a digital co-driver is now up to the applicant and the transporter. As stated by Transport Minister Olaf Lies on Thursday, "The digital co-driver is an example of how digital solutions can have a positive impact on the workplace." He continued, "In times of skilled worker shortages, we see that these types of applications can fill in the gaps."
The digital co-driver would replace the lacking workforce and streamline and simplify processes. According to Lies, "I promise myself that GST will become easier and faster to reach its destination. This will save costs and, in the end, also help our climate balance." The initial testing period for the digital co-driver is set to end by the end of 2025, but may be cut short if a nationwide regulation is implemented before then.
These types of transports are complex operations, often requiring a supervisor who keeps track of everything to allow the driver to focus on the task at hand. Now, with the advanced technology available, the job of the human supervisor can be taken over by the digital co-driver. The digital co-driver will monitor routes in real-time and guide drivers according to the rules in their permits, including requirements, restrictions, and driving instructions. As a result, these large and heavy haul transports will become safer, more dependable, and more eco-friendly for the road.
