Kodiak Robotics, a self-driving start-up, and US Express, a trucking company, partner to create a self-driving semi-truck to decrease delivery time on shipments.

These two companies put their efforts together and created the first self-driving eighteen wheeler that traveled more than 6,300 miles in 5 days. A regular person would have taken 10 days due to stopping and rest to complete the trip.

Although though the semi had the ability to self drive, there was a team of specialist in the cab in case something went wrong. The technology has potential but is not yet advanced. The specialist had to control the wheel a couple of times to prevent an accident.

The self-driving semi has the ability to successfully drive through highways with expected situations such as merging, changing lanes, and slowing down for cars, but it’s not yet developed to handle unexpected situations.

In order for driverless semis to work transfer hubs would have to be created to deploy and pick up cargo. This is due to the semis’ inability to travel through cities. These transfer hubs would have to be made up of already developed infrastructures to decrease costs.

Even if the transfer hubs were successfully put into place, there is still concern with the advancement of AI technology. Many are concerned with its ability to handle unexpected dilemmas such as cargo checks and car pile-ups. Along with the cost to completely transform these semis efficiently.

Kodack is making efforts in addressing these issues and won’t get results until 2024. If successful drivers won’t have to do long haul trips and delivery periods are cut in half.