A few months ago there was some discussion that Ford had put "infotainment" displays on the driver side. The trade off is helpful driving information vs distraction. The solution will be increased automation of steering, acceleration and brake. This is the era we live in, permeation of technology deeper and deeper. Next year's model will include platooning by default because the solution include cruising and lane guidance. The technology comes built in with communications.
In inventory yards, the light weight trucks will be put on auto-pilot, this is next year, working with today's automated forklifts. UPS has got tweeter based package tracking, transport technology [GPS, Comm, sensor] will become standard for their trucks, they will operate automated warehouses. Precision farming by automation will continue to push yields up, and lower equipment costs as the driver's compartment disappears. Mining trucks already automated, as are railroads.
The consumer remains connected to the entire channel, and it is hard to notice that consumers must still drive the last mile. Technology, the Silicon Valleys, will push through the last mile within a few months. The Pizzabot will move a pizza to my curbside within 15 minute accuracy.
Transportation pays for the privilege of putting automation on the roads, congestion fees of hundreds of million per year for municipalities.
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