UK government funding for autonomous truck research

[freebeard]

Compare with packet-switching 40ft shipping containers in an hyperloop tube.

[Xist]

Would autonomous trucks still need the conventional design? If nothing else, couldn't they put the battery pack behind the last trailer? I just thought they could reduce the truck part and reassign it for aerodynamics' sake.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Xist

Would autonomous trucks still need the conventional design?

Most likely not, unless they still need to provide safe accomodations for cargo handlers and a dispatcher who would remain on board (and eventually able to assume the control in case of emergency).

If nothing else, couldn't they put the battery pack behind the last trailer? I just thought they could reduce the truck part and reassign it for aerodynamics' sake.

If the truck has a side-loading body, like most soft-drink delivery trucks, that might become doable. Other eventual option could be to adapt a front-loading layout resembling what's found in freighter aircraft.