The Future of Transportation: Will Autonomous Trucks Ever Make the Driver Obsolete?

April 14, 2025

By: David Warren-Angelucci, International Channel Manager

The advent of technology has always brought about significant changes to various industries, and the transportation sector is no exception. Among the most transformative innovations in recent years is the development of autonomous vehicles, particularly trucks. The potential for autonomous trucks to revolutionize freight transport is immense, raising the fundamental question: will these technological advancements make human drivers obsolete? To explore this question, we must consider the current state of autonomous driving technology, the economic implications, and the societal impact of removing human drivers from the equation.

The Current State of Autonomous Trucking Technology

Autonomous trucks are equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence (AI) systems that allow them to navigate roads with minimal human intervention. Companies like One Stop Systems, which design & manufacture rugged high-performance computing hardware platforms, have solved the challenge of outfitting trucks with HPC hardware that is traditionally only seen in datacenters.  Companies like Waymo rely on this new rugged HPC approach to stay at the forefront of developing their autonomous technology and conducting extensive tests on highways and urban environments. While fully autonomous trucks—those capable of operating without any human oversight—are still in the testing phase, significant progress has been made. Many autonomous systems can already handle long stretches of highway driving, leaving the more complex urban environments and unpredictable conditions to human drivers.

However, there are still substantial hurdles to overcome before we reach a point where autonomous trucks can operate entirely without human intervention. These challenges include regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and technological limitations, particularly in complex environments where human judgment and intuition are crucial. For instance, the ability of an autonomous truck to react to sudden obstacles, inclement weather, or unpredictable human behavior remains a critical area of development. Until these systems can demonstrate reliability and safety across a broad range of scenarios, the complete obsolescence of human drivers remains unlikely.

Economic Implications of Autonomous Trucks

From an economic perspective, the introduction of autonomous trucks could lead to significant cost savings for transportation companies. Labor costs represent a substantial portion of freight expenses; thus, eliminating the need for human drivers could drastically reduce operational costs. Furthermore, autonomous trucks can theoretically operate around the clock without the need for rest breaks, leading to increased efficiency and faster delivery times. This prospect is particularly appealing in an industry where time is money.

However, the widespread adoption of autonomous trucks may have adverse economic consequences for the workforce. The trucking industry employs millions of people worldwide, and the displacement of drivers could lead to significant job losses. A report by the American Trucking Associations indicates there are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the United States, and autonomous trucks could replace a substantial percentage of these jobs, particularly in long-haul routes where the technology is more feasible. While some argue that new jobs will emerge in the technology and maintenance sectors, the transition may not be smooth. Many displaced drivers may face challenges in retraining or adapting to new roles, leading to economic and social upheaval in regions reliant on the trucking industry.

Societal Impact of Driverless Trucks

The societal implications of autonomous trucks extend beyond economic considerations. Human drivers bring an element of intuition, empathy, and ethical judgment that machines currently cannot replicate. For instance, in emergency situations, human drivers can make split-second decisions that prioritize the safety of others on the road.  A computer’s lack of empathy raises ethical questions surrounding autonomous vehicles—such as how they should respond in unavoidable accident scenarios.  These questions highlight the complexities of removing human drivers from the equation.  However, while it is true that humans have empathy, multiple sensors combined with HPC computers allow a vehicle to react 1,000s of times faster than a human, repeatably, and without any degradation from fatigue or awareness.  Humans may have empathy, but human error is unavoidable; autonomous vehicles remove any risk of human error from the equation.

Furthermore, humans have learned to interact with vehicles driven by humans we can see. Humans make eye contact and look for social cues.  For example, whether a pedestrian makes eye contact with a driver while crossing the street can allow the pedestrian to make safety judgements.  How will the pedestrian receive “eye contact” or see the typical “social cues” from a driverless vehicle?  On the flip-side of that example, an autonomous vehicle will sense the pedestrian at all times, and can take immediate safety action.

One cultural significance of truck driving as a profession cannot be overlooked. For many, being a truck driver is not just a job but a way of life, imbued with a sense of freedom and adventure. The potential for this profession to become obsolete may evoke feelings of loss and resistance among those who view it as part of their identity.

The Impact of HPC Hardware on Autonomous Trucking

Rugged high-performance computing hardware plays a pivotal role in advancing autonomous trucking by providing the robust processing power necessary to handle the immense data generated by sensors, cameras, and LIDAR systems in real-time. These systems must operate reliably in diverse and often harsh environments, from extreme temperatures to vibrations and dust exposure, which rugged hardware is designed to withstand. By enabling rapid data analysis and decision-making, this technology allows autonomous trucks to navigate complex road conditions, recognize obstacles, and communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure seamlessly. As a result, rugged high-performance computing not only enhances the safety and efficiency of autonomous trucking but also accelerates the adoption of this transformative technology in the logistics industry, paving the way for more efficient supply chains and reduced operational costs.

Conclusion

While the development of autonomous trucks holds the potential to transform the transportation industry, the complete obsolescence of human drivers is not imminent. Technological, economic, and societal factors will play a crucial role in determining the future of trucking. While it is likely that autonomous trucks will increasingly complement human drivers, particularly in long-haul scenarios, the complete removal of drivers from the equation raises complex questions that society must address. As we move forward, a balanced approach that considers technological innovation, economic realities, and the human element will be essential in shaping a future where humans and machines coexist in the transportation landscape. The road ahead is long and winding, and while automation is on the horizon, the human touch in driving may remain essential for years to come.

Throughout the evolution of autonomous trucks, One Stop Systems aims to enable ongoing development by providing the highest performance computing hardware which can withstand the environmental challenges of the road.

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