Advanced Technology Track

There’s been a lot of interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) but do most people really know what it means? In most cases, AI refers to computer systems that can perform complex tasks normally done by human-reasoning, decision making, creating, etc. There is no single, simple definition of artificial intelligence because AI tools are capable of a wide range of tasks and outputs, but the National Aeronautical and Space Agency (NASA) follows this definition, which references Section 238(g) of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019.

There have been many advances in braking system technology for heavy-duty commercial vehicles during the past three decades. Some of them are today commonplace, such as antilock braking systems (ABS), traction control/roll stability control, and automated emergency braking (AEB). Other such technologies have gained adoption in Europe, but have not taken root in North American fleets despite being available for as long as 25 years. 

It wasn’t that long ago that the idea of intelligent machines was relegated to tales of science fiction. Authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, and Issac Asimov thrilled and chilled readers with stories of super-intelligence computers eclipsing humanity in some fashion or another. So it’s no surprise that people are generally leery of the very idea of artificial intelligence or (AI) — we’re not all just modern-day Luddites.

That being said, is there really a great deal to fear from AI as it is applied to the business and industrial worlds? Is it really that mysterious?

For the past several meetings, Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Task Forces have been evaluating various proposals for the next generation tractor-trailer electrical connector, which will be critical for the development of future combination vehicle designs. As fleets await test result data, now is the time to discuss the benefits of the potential new connector designs as well as some of the challenges that equipment userss will face if one connector is not adopted.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is working on an anticipated new diesel engine oil specification known as “PC-12,” which is expected to supplant present specifications CJ-4 and FA-4 once new emissions standards take hold in diesel-powered trucks in the future. What does this mean for your maintenance operation?

More than a century has gone by since the beginning of the trucking industry, yet the technological advances experienced in the last 60 years have been most astonishing. From six-volt electrical systems to electronic stability control, from bias plies to low-rolling resistance tires, and from square box designs to advanced aerodynamics, truck technology has made extraordinary advances in efficiency and productivity.