Photo: Daimler
The Germans from Daimler said this week they are working on a system that could empower cargo haulers to do things they never dreamed of doing. The technology is called Truck ID, and it is meant to give trucks their "own digital identity with legal capacities."
In words we can all understand, Daimler plans to give trucks access to their own virtual wallets so that they can autonomously pay for "legally-binding transactions" such as charging fees or toll fees.
The technology is being researched by Daimler together with German bank Commerzbank and opens a host of possibilities for truck operators.
The Germans say that when ready Truck ID could be used to transfer the truck's data to a toll system via Wi-Fi, simplify freight processes by carrying all the papers digitally, and even control and bill subcontractors.
In the long run, the processing of vehicle leasing and short-term use contracts could also be controlled right from the truck.
The system would also be extremely secure, and eliminate current risks for truckers such as card scams.
The Truck ID system is currently in testing phases, and it has already been used at least once: it successfully paid what it owed to an electric charge station, with no human intervention.
"With Truck-ID and Truck Wallet, we have laid the foundation for autonomous interaction between trucks and other machines – a true technological milestone," said in a statement Helge Königs, the head of the Truck Wallet project.
"Our aim is that, in future, trucks will be able to act on their own behalf in various fields of application. Drivers can then concentrate more on their actual driving tasks and haulage firms benefit from a significant reduction in administration work and more secure processes."
Daimler did not say when it expects the technology to be ready.
The technology is being researched by Daimler together with German bank Commerzbank and opens a host of possibilities for truck operators.
The Germans say that when ready Truck ID could be used to transfer the truck's data to a toll system via Wi-Fi, simplify freight processes by carrying all the papers digitally, and even control and bill subcontractors.
In the long run, the processing of vehicle leasing and short-term use contracts could also be controlled right from the truck.
The system would also be extremely secure, and eliminate current risks for truckers such as card scams.
The Truck ID system is currently in testing phases, and it has already been used at least once: it successfully paid what it owed to an electric charge station, with no human intervention.
"With Truck-ID and Truck Wallet, we have laid the foundation for autonomous interaction between trucks and other machines – a true technological milestone," said in a statement Helge Königs, the head of the Truck Wallet project.
"Our aim is that, in future, trucks will be able to act on their own behalf in various fields of application. Drivers can then concentrate more on their actual driving tasks and haulage firms benefit from a significant reduction in administration work and more secure processes."
Daimler did not say when it expects the technology to be ready.
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